LOT 340
1928 Ariel 497cc Model E Registration no. BF 8701 Frame no. W13017 Engine no. W12963
Sold for £8,050 inc. premium
Lot 340
1928 Ariel 497cc Model ERegistration no. BF 8701 Frame no. W13017 Engine no. W12963
1928 Ariel 497cc Model E
Registration no. BF 8701
Frame no. W13017
Engine no. W12963
Registration no. BF 8701
Frame no. W13017
Engine no. W12963
• Rare overhead-valve model
• An older restoration
• Eligible for the Banbury Run
Discontinuing all of its existing models, Ariel introduced an entirely new range for 1910 powered by the White & Poppe 3½hp engine. A 482cc sidevalve single featuring widely-spaced valves in 'T-head' configuration, this unmistakable unit would power the half-litre Ariels for the next 15 years. Indeed, so successful were these new models that Ariel's parent company, Components Ltd, acquired the rights to White & Poppe's design in 1911 and began producing it in house. The bore was soon enlarged, increasing the swept volume to 498cc, and in this form the engine appeared in the new 3½hp model at the 1919 Olympia Motor Cycle Show, the first to be held after The Great War. Ariel's half-litre model was available in two basic configurations: Sports (with a choice of all-chain or chain-cum-belt drive) and Touring, which featured all-chain drive. A three-speed countershaft gearbox was standard throughout the range, and although its 8hp twin-cylinder contemporary enjoyed the benefits of expanding-drum brakes, the '3½' kept faith with dummy belt-rim stoppers. Essentially Edwardian in conception, the 3½hp Ariel remained in production until 1925 when new Val Page-designed singles took over.
Ariel's design department was blessed with a surfeit of talent as the Selly Oak firm entered the 1930s, Chief Designer Val Page having under his wing both Edward Turner and Bert Hopwood. It was Page though, who had laid down the basics of Ariel's four-stroke singles range in 1926, moved the magneto behind the engine for '27 and thus established the form in which the engine would survive for the next 30 years. Ariel's range at this time encompassed a dazzling variety of models: vertical engines, sloping engines, side valves, overhead valves - two or four per cylinder - all were represented along with Turner's revolutionary Square Four.
For 1928 Ariel offered three 500s: the Model E (standard), F (deluxe) and G (sports), the machine offered here being an example of the standard version. The last motorcycle that Mike Taylour worked on, 'BF 8701' is a nicely patinated older restoration that would respond well to detailing. Noteworthy features include a Lucas 'King of the Road' bulb horn, Miller headlamp, and a Lucas magneto. The machine is offered with DVLA correspondence and a V5C Registration Certificate. An opportunity to acquire a rare overhead-valve Ariel of the late Vintage period.
• An older restoration
• Eligible for the Banbury Run
Discontinuing all of its existing models, Ariel introduced an entirely new range for 1910 powered by the White & Poppe 3½hp engine. A 482cc sidevalve single featuring widely-spaced valves in 'T-head' configuration, this unmistakable unit would power the half-litre Ariels for the next 15 years. Indeed, so successful were these new models that Ariel's parent company, Components Ltd, acquired the rights to White & Poppe's design in 1911 and began producing it in house. The bore was soon enlarged, increasing the swept volume to 498cc, and in this form the engine appeared in the new 3½hp model at the 1919 Olympia Motor Cycle Show, the first to be held after The Great War. Ariel's half-litre model was available in two basic configurations: Sports (with a choice of all-chain or chain-cum-belt drive) and Touring, which featured all-chain drive. A three-speed countershaft gearbox was standard throughout the range, and although its 8hp twin-cylinder contemporary enjoyed the benefits of expanding-drum brakes, the '3½' kept faith with dummy belt-rim stoppers. Essentially Edwardian in conception, the 3½hp Ariel remained in production until 1925 when new Val Page-designed singles took over.
Ariel's design department was blessed with a surfeit of talent as the Selly Oak firm entered the 1930s, Chief Designer Val Page having under his wing both Edward Turner and Bert Hopwood. It was Page though, who had laid down the basics of Ariel's four-stroke singles range in 1926, moved the magneto behind the engine for '27 and thus established the form in which the engine would survive for the next 30 years. Ariel's range at this time encompassed a dazzling variety of models: vertical engines, sloping engines, side valves, overhead valves - two or four per cylinder - all were represented along with Turner's revolutionary Square Four.
For 1928 Ariel offered three 500s: the Model E (standard), F (deluxe) and G (sports), the machine offered here being an example of the standard version. The last motorcycle that Mike Taylour worked on, 'BF 8701' is a nicely patinated older restoration that would respond well to detailing. Noteworthy features include a Lucas 'King of the Road' bulb horn, Miller headlamp, and a Lucas magneto. The machine is offered with DVLA correspondence and a V5C Registration Certificate. An opportunity to acquire a rare overhead-valve Ariel of the late Vintage period.
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Saleroom notices
The frame and engine numbers are believed to be non factory stamps.
Additional information
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