c.1910 Ariel 500
3½hp Tourist Trophy model

Registration No: R 1197
Frame No: 637
MOT: Exempt

• An excellent restoration of a rare 500cc Ariel
• Thought to be a 3½hp Tourist Trophy model
• Supplied with lots of paperwork and a V5C

Like many British motorcycle companies, Ariel began producing bicycles in the late 1800s eventually progressing onto motorcycles in the early 1900s, in fact their first foray into the production of vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine was in 1898 when a tricycle powered by a 1 3/4hp De Dion engine was displayed at Crystal Palace in 1898. In 1902 Ariel introduced their first motorcycle with a 211cc Minerva engine. This model laid the foundation for Ariel's subsequent success as a motorcycle manufacturer, prompting the introduction of an engine produced in-house. Between 1902 and 1909 Ariel relied on an inlet over exhaust configuration, however, for the 1910 season they introduced a radical new design that utilised side valves mounted four and a half inches apart. The new power plant was manufactured for Ariel by White and Poppe of Coventry and displaced 482cc. Rated at 3½hp the new engine was installed in a conventional diamond frame and was initially offered in two forms, either as a direct drive machine or with a variable gear.

This stunning-looking example was discovered in the hayloft of a property when purchased by the vendor for redevelopment. Research suggested that this machine was a 1911 Tourist Trophy model and realising it was a rare find, in 2007 he commissioned an enthusiast to undertake its restoration to the excellent condition it is now presented in. The bike was in quite a state when found, so it is a real credit to the restorer, a Mr J. Tullett of Norfolk, who kept a photographic record of the process that will be included in the sale. The house was located on the outskirts of Derby and had previously been owned by the head of the Rolls Royce factory located nearby, so it was possibly his own personal transport with the 'R' registration number being issued only in Derbyshire. Since restoration, the bike has been displayed in the owner's office, so it still looks as good as the day it was completed. With the help of the VMCC, the original registration number was retrieved and the bike comes with the V5C and all the documentation concerning this together with lots of other paperwork and books. Not run for a number of years, it will require some recommissioning.

For more information, please contact:
Ian Cunningham
ian.cunningham@handh.co.uk
07415871189