LOT 234

Offered from the National Motorcycle Museum Collection 1904 Ariel 334cc (see text) Registration no. A 5785 Frame no. unable to locate Engine no. 17600

Sold for £14,950 inc. premium

Previous Lot

Next Lot

Lot 234

Offered from the National Motorcycle Museum Collection, 1904 Ariel 334cc (see text)
Registration no. A 5785 Frame no. unable to locate Engine no. 17600

The Winter Sale - including The National Motorcycle Museum Reserve Collection - Bicester Heritage|11 December 2020, 11:00 GMT|Bicester, Bicester Heritage

Offered from the National Motorcycle Museum Collection
1904 Ariel 334cc (see text)
Registration no. A 5785
Frame no. unable to locate
Engine no. 17600

Something of a mystery, this early Peugeot-engined motorcycle was first registered on 24th August 1927 as a Peugeot (see old-style logbook on file). It was registered under the Roads Act of 1920, which required local councils to register all vehicles at the time of licensing and to allocate a separate number to each. (Many vehicles, although in existence for several years in some cases, were only registered for the first time after the Act's passing.) On a second logbook (issued 1954) 'Peugeot' has been crossed out and replaced with 'Ariel'. As far as we have been able to discover, Ariel never used Peugeot engines, while by 1904 (this machine's claimed date of manufacture) they were using their own engines (see copy period literature on file). The two Pioneer Certificates on file both record 'A 5785' as a 1904 Ariel. Documentation on file shows that this motorcycle was professionally restored circa 1990-1992 by Robin James, whose detailed notes are essential reading for prospective purchasers. Its owner at that time was Ronald Skerman of Surrey, who had registered the machine in March 1953. The National Motorcycle Museum purchased 'A 5785' from Mr Paul Tillion in February 2004. Additional documentation consists of an old-style V5C document and a quantity of MoT certificates (most recent expired June 2004). The machine's mechanical condition is not known; accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to its condition, completeness, correctness, or otherwise prior to bidding.

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

Please click the link to view the walkaround video of Lot 234: click here

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Memorabilia and Spares
For Memorabilia and Spares (Lots 1-123) the Buyer's Premium is 27.5% on the first £10,000 of the hammer price 25% on the excess of £10,001 and up to £450,000 of the hammer price 20% on the excess of £450,001 and up to £4,500,000 of the hammer price 14.5% on the excess of £4,500,001.
Motorcycles
For Motorcycles (Lots 201-254 & 501-708) the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter, VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Motorcycles