LOT 273

Property of a deceased's estate c.1971 Ariel 3 Moped Registration no. not registered Frame no. none found Engine no. none found

Sold for £287.50 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 273

Property of a deceased's estate, c.1971 Ariel 3 Moped

The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|14 October 2023, 10:30 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

Property of a deceased's estate
c.1971 Ariel 3 Moped
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. none found
Engine no. none found

'Here it is. Whatever it is.' That was how the BSA Group's advertisers heralded the arrival of the ill-conceived Ariel 3 in 1970. A tricycle aimed squarely at commuters, the Ariel 3 was powered by a 50cc Dutch Anker engine and featured a clever banking front end controlled by torsion bars, while its closely-spaced rear wheels, which remained upright, allowed the Ariel trike to be classed as a moped. Sadly, the machine turned out to be a disastrous flop, the £2 million wasted on the project playing a big part in precipitating the Group's subsequent collapse. There is no history known of this Ariel 3 which the late vendor purchased some 20 years ago, offered for recommissioning or restoration and without documents.
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 48 408373.

Additional information

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