1954 Ariel 500cc HT5 Trials

Registration no. GOV 130 Frame no. RT265 Engine no. (see text)

Crankcase Mating Numbers 273

• Significant works motorcycle
• Famous 'GOV' Ariel factory registration
• Restored condition

The Ariel HT5's competitive specification had been evolved at the Selly Oak factory by Clive Bennett and Sammy Miller, immediately proving so successful that the works team of Ron Langston, Gordon Blakeway, and Miller (on machines registered 'GOV 130', 'GOV 131' and 'GOV 132' respectively) were soon gaining more than Ariel's usual share of Team Awards and outright wins. It is a well-known fact concerning 'works' trials bikes that the factory competitions departments retained certain registration numbers for many years, swapping them between different machines as and when circumstances required. Such is the case with Ariel's famous 'GOV' numbers, confirmed by an illustration on file showing factory rider Norman Vanhouse on 'GOV 130', but which is clearly an earlier un-sprung machine, similar to those used in the early 1950s by Bob Ray and Stan Holmes, etc. There is also a handful of pictures showing Ron Langston in action on an Ariel, registration 'GOV 130', in 1956 through 1958.

This HT5 was acquired by the immediately preceding owner at a Sotheby's Hendon Sale in 1996, since when it has been displayed at the odd reunion event but not ridden competitively. Although much of the machine's post-factory history is unrecorded, it was reputedly discovered by Bill Lawless, former editor of Trials & Motocross News, during the 1980s and, given its age, has undoubtedly received a fair amount of mechanical attention.

The current vendor purchased 'GOV 130' as Bonhams' Stafford sale in April 2017 (Lot 184). At that time previous owner Lewis Birt advised us that he had carried out minor works to the machine, possibly including the installation of the alloy rims, following its purchase from Alfred Mansell Maddison in 1993. Dave Langston recalls fabricating and fitting the top rear mudguard mounting, similar to his '350' works machine.

It should be noted that the engine number 'HT10' is not visible. The engine is stamped '10' to the barrel and '273' - matching crankcase numbers - and it should also be noted that the current V5C incorrectly records the frame number as 'R1265'. As with all lots in the sale, this lot is sold 'as is/where is' and prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves as to this motorcycle's provenance, condition, age, completeness, and originality prior to bidding. Offered with a history file.