
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
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.
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
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 specialistSpecialist section

Auction Viewings
- 28 April 2001, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
- 27 April 2019, 09:00 - 18:00 BST
Bid now on these items
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1971 Kawasaki 500 Mach III
£3,000 - £5,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1926 Triumph 494cc
£4,000 - £6,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1934 Austin Seven 65
£4,000 - £6,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1936 Austin 7 Ruby,
£3,200 - £4,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
Triumph 5T
£3,000 - £4,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
Triumph Tiger 100
£3,000 - £4,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1915 Douglas 350cc 2¾hp
£4,000 - £5,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
Triumph 6T
£3,000 - £4,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
Triumph 6T
£3,000 - £4,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1921 Triumph 550cc Model H
£4,000 - £5,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1916 Radco 211cc
£3,400 - £4,400
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1974 Moto Guzzi 750S
£4,000 - £6,000
United Kingdom
A Michaux & Cie Velocipede, circa 1870,
£4,000 - £6,000













