LOT 318

1959 Ariel 499cc HT5 Trials Motorcycle Registration no. USR 281 Frame no. CRT647 (see text) Engine no. CNJ403

Sold for £8,625 inc. premium

Lot 318

1959 Ariel 499cc HT5 Trials Motorcycle

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|22 April 2023, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1959 Ariel 499cc HT5 Trials Motorcycle
Registration no. USR 281
Frame no. CRT647 (see text)
Engine no. CNJ403

Ariel was one of the last manufacturers to introduce a trials frame with rear suspension, the prototype of what would become the HT5 first appearing at the 1955 Scottish Six Days event with production proper commencing in September of that year. Little was achieved by the works HT5s in their first season, but the arrival of Ron Langston for 1956 brought with it the success Ariel had been seeking, their new signing winning the Cotswold and Greensmith trials. For the next few seasons the HT5 was the class of the field. Arguably the most capable of the 'heavyweight' trials irons, the HT5 disappeared along with the other Ariel four-strokes in 1959 after only 450-or-so had been made.

Dating from the final year of production, this HT5 comes with its original old-style logbook showing that it was sold new by John Duncan & Son, Brechen to one Alastair McDonald of Fort William. It should be noted that the logbook records a change of frame from 'CRT626' to the present 'CRT647'. The Ariel appears to have belonged to the present owner since the 1970s. Dry stored and not used for some time, the machine will require recommissioning before further use. Accompanying paperwork includes correspondence; a copy old V5; current V5C document; a copy of The First Ariel Classic Scene; and an original Ariel General Maintenance handbook and parts list.

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.

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 1-117) 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.
Motorcycles
For Motorcycles (Lots 201-276 & 301-560) the Buyers Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
Buyers attention is drawn to Condition 7 of the Notice to Bidders. 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