Skip to main content

LOT 345

1941/1952 Ariel 497cc 'VCH Trials Special' (see text) Registration no. not registered Frame no. XG28151 Engine no. TR216

Sold for £4,370 inc. premium
Lot 345

1941/1952 Ariel 497cc 'VCH Trials Special' (see text)
Registration no. not registered Frame no. XG28151 Engine no. TR216

1941/1952 Ariel 497cc 'VCH Trials Special' (see text)
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. XG28151
Engine no. TR216

Ariel recommenced civilian production in 1945 with a range similar to that of 1939. A telescopic front fork soon replaced the pre-war girder - at first only on the sporting Red Hunter models - and in 1948 an experimental trials version of the latter appeared equipped with an all-alloy engine. Production of the new alloy-engined, competition Hunter - coded VCH - commenced in time for the 1950 season, the model being offered in either trials or scrambles specification and in rigid-framed form only. Weight was substantially reduced and the motor turned out a respectable 25bhp. The VCH proved more successful in scrambles than in trials where its 56" wheelbase proved something of a handicap, though the latter shortcoming was addressed for 1953 with the introduction of a 54"-wheelbase works-type frame. Major one-day trials success continued to be elusive however, the result being a switch to separate HT trials and HS scrambles models in 1954.

Its accompanying Ariel OC dating letter reveals that this machine consists of a roadster frame supplied to the RAF in 1941 and a VCH Competition Model alloy engine of 1952. Mike Taylour started its restoration over 20 years ago, only finding some necessary parts very recently. Unused since the rebuild's completion, the machine requires re-commissioning. There is no registration document with this motorcycle, which is sold strictly as viewed.

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.

Additional information

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

How to sell

Looking for a similar item?

Our Motorcycles specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.

Find your local specialist

Specialist section

Auction Viewings

  • 28 April 2001, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 27 April 2019, 09:00 - 18:00 BST

Bid now on these items

1971 Kawasaki 500 Mach III
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1971 Kawasaki 500 Mach III

£3,000 - £5,000
1926 Triumph 494cc
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1926 Triumph 494cc

£4,000 - £6,000
1934 Austin Seven 65
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1934 Austin Seven 65

£4,000 - £6,000
1936 Austin 7 Ruby,
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1936 Austin 7 Ruby,

£3,200 - £4,000
Triumph 5T
United Kingdom
Coming soon

Triumph 5T

£3,000 - £4,000
Triumph Tiger 100
United Kingdom
Coming soon

Triumph Tiger 100

£3,000 - £4,000
1915 Douglas 350cc 2¾hp
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1915 Douglas 350cc 2¾hp

£4,000 - £5,000
Triumph 6T
United Kingdom
Coming soon

Triumph 6T

£3,000 - £4,000
Triumph 6T
United Kingdom
Coming soon

Triumph 6T

£3,000 - £4,000
1921 Triumph 550cc Model H
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1921 Triumph 550cc Model H

£4,000 - £5,000
1916 Radco 211cc
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1916 Radco 211cc

£3,400 - £4,400
1974 Moto Guzzi 750S
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1974 Moto Guzzi 750S

£4,000 - £6,000
A Michaux & Cie Velocipede, circa 1870,
United Kingdom

A Michaux & Cie Velocipede, circa 1870,

£4,000 - £6,000
A 56 inch Ordinary bicycle by Thomas Smith, circa 1885,
United Kingdom

A 56 inch Ordinary bicycle by Thomas Smith, circa 1885,

£3,500 - £4,500