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LOT 332

The Taylor Collection 1931 Ariel 557cc VB31 Registration no. HA 7422 Frame no. K9332 (see text) Engine no. N368 (see text)

Sold for £4,830 inc. premium
Lot 332

The Taylor Collection, 1931 Ariel 557cc VB31

The Taylor Collection
1931 Ariel 557cc VB31
Registration no. HA 7422
Frame no. K9332 (see text)
Engine no. N368 (see text)

In the years between the wars Ariel was one of the few manufacturers who set the trends rather than followed them. Indeed, the sensation of the November 1930 Olympia Show was the astonishing new ohc Square Four. For 1931 almost all the Ariels had been almost completely redesigned and, apart from the new Squariel, they were fitted with a variety of side-valve and ohv engines, some vertically mounted, but with others sloping forwards in the new fashion. All the machines featured eye-catching petrol tanks with chromed fronts and black enamelled rears.

The vendor bought this 1931 Ariel VB31 over 35 years ago from well-known dealer the late Ron Farthing. During this long term ownership he estimates that he has covered 8,000-10,000 miles on it, and advises that the magneto was overhauled by APL, and the carburettor was rebuilt by Joe the Carb. The VB31 features a nice period lighting set, although it should be noted that the charging system is not functioning. He recalls that, some years ago, this was the first girder forked side-valve Ariel to win an award at the club's annual rally, and that it has been run within the last three months.

The above frame and engine numbers are correctly recorded on the accompanying V5C but it should be noted that the "K" and "N" prefixes have been omitted. Multiple MOTs from 1994 onwards are also supplied.

Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves regarding the motorcycle's provenance, condition, age, completeness, and originality prior to bidding. Sold strictly as seen.
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.
Please see the Auction Information and Guide for Buyers at the top of the main sale page, for bidders' obligations. The Autumn Stafford Sale

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 12 October, with the auction starting at 11am GMT.

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  • 11 October 2025, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 12 October 2025, 09:00 - 17:00 BST

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