Lot details
Registration No: YD 577
Frame No: K9763
Engine No: K9062
cc: 500
MOT Expiry Date: None

More than 50 years after the first Ariel transport-related product was marketed, a pneumatic carriage wheel in the mid 19th century, the company manufactured it's first motorised two wheeler in 1902. Maybe the company would have been more appropriately renamed Phoenix, as over the next few decades it arose from it's own ashes numerous times after several financial crises and receiverships. Entering the thirties as Ariel Motors (J.S.) Ltd., after being purchased by the Sangster family for a second time, the old Selly Oak firm had some members of staff who were to become very famous in the GBMI in later years. Messrs Page, Turner and Hopwood would go on to produce a stunning repertoire of designs using all manner of engine configurations, many of which became cornerstones of the industry, and form the majority of the machinery that enthusiasts still covet another half century on. The Model F came from the drawing board of Ariel's Chief Designer Val Page around 1926 and this fine example is of 1936 vintage. No doubt breathed on by his assistants and well developed by then the 500cc. ohv single was state of the art at the time, its purposeful lines and finish giving some indication of the quality and performance to be had from Ariel's by the discerning motorcyclist of the era.
The bike has been fully restored in recent years and would appear to be in superb condition in all respects. It has a long documented history dating back as far as 1942, which records only 2 owners between then and 2009, including participation in many VMCC events in the 1960's after which a long period of storage seems to have preserved most of it's original features. Offered with a selection of memorabilia from the above events, trophies and V5C etc. this is an unmissable opportunity for a new owner to sample the delights of vintage motorcycling.