LOT 559

Property of a deceased's estate c.1904 Ariel 3½hp Registration no. not registered Frame no. none visible Engine no. none visible

Sold for £18,400 inc. premium

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Lot 559

Property of a deceased's estate, c.1904 Ariel 3½hp
Registration no. not registered Frame no. none visible Engine no. none visible

The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|16 October 2022, 10:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

Property of a deceased's estate
c.1904 Ariel 3½hp
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. none visible
Engine no. none visible

A firm with its roots in the cycle industry, Ariel exhibited its first powered two-wheeler in 1901, employing a 211cc, 1½hp Minerva engine. Ariel's own 2¼hp power unit followed in 1903, but the Birmingham firm continued to rely mainly on proprietary engines. In March 1903 the company introduced a 3½hp (417cc) engine of its own design, which was one of two power units available for the No.1 model, the other being the aforementioned 2¼hp. It would appear that the 3½hp engine had a short life, as in his definitive marque history, The Ariel Story, Peter Hartley makes no mention of it after 1904.

Believed to be a 3½hp model, this rare Edwardian Ariel was purchased in the late 1950s and restored over the course of the next 60 or so years. Most of the restoration work was carried out by the late owner and there are no receipts to indicate what was done. The machine is offered with another engine and a fuel tank. This motorcycle's mechanical condition is not known; accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to its condition, completeness, correctness, or otherwise prior to bidding. There are no documents with this Lot, which is sold strictly as viewed.
Key not required

Footnotes

All lots are 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 engine number is 16917. It is possible that this is a 2¼hp model and not a 3½hp model. Prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to the capacity and hp.

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
Buyers Premium and Charges
Memorabilia and Spares
For Memorabilia and Spares (Lots 1-285) the Buyers Premium is 27.5% on the first £20,000 of the hammer price; 26% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £20,000 up to and including £700,000; 20% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £700,000 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,000.
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