LOT 11 *N

The Connoisseurs Collection, Part II 1932 Ariel 498cc Model VG 32 Registration no. not registered (see text) Frame no. D1348 Engine no. C423

Sold for £8,625 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 11^*,N

The Connoisseurs Collection, Part II, 1932 Ariel 498cc Model VG 32

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|25 April 2026, 14:30 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

The Connoisseurs Collection, Part II
1932 Ariel 498cc Model VG 32
Registration no. not registered (see text)
Frame no. D1348
Engine no. C423

The Lot is from outside the UK. Shippio Ltd must automatically uplift this Lot after the auction, complete all post sale import or export customs administration, and store this Lot until it is customs cleared. A compulsory fee of £350 + VAT will be added to the buyer's invoice for this. This Lot cannot be collected from the auction venue by the purchaser or any alternative transporter.

If the Lot is to stay in the UK or is not exported within 90 days of sale, Import VAT at 5% on the hammer price is payable.

Val Page's arrival at Ariel in 1925 as Chief Designer would trigger a welcome upturn in the Selly Oak firm's fortunes. Page designed new models to replace the existing range, the first of which - a pair of singles displacing 600cc (sidevalve) and 500cc (overhead-valve) - debuted later that year. By 1930 the Ariel single had gained a rear-mounted magneto and its distinctive timing cover, and the engine's basic design - though frequently revised - would stand the company in good stead well into the post-war era. Page's SG, VG and VH models of the early 1930s are notable for their four-valve cylinder heads, although this innovation would be short-lived; indeed, the four-valve VG was listed for 1931 and 1932 only and is today one of the rarest of pre-war Ariels; it was built in two version, the 1932 models having a shorter stroke than their 1931 predecessors. Later VGs reverted to two-valve 'heads and the long-stroke dimensions.

This pre-war VG four-valver carries the registration number 'VLE 428', though this actually relates to a different post-war Ariel. The current vendor purchased the Ariel from a UK auction in December 1993 (copy invoice on file). The machine is presented in restored condition and would respond well to detailing (the engine turns over).

Offered unregistered and without registration documents. Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
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 Spring Stafford Sale

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This Lot will be auctioned on Saturday 25 April, with the auction starting at 2:30pm BST.

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 client services.
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.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
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VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
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.

*	Import low rate
	VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.
N	NOVA declaration
	This machine is subject to post-sale customs administration and, for UK Buyers, a NOVA declaration. Whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice, as follows: for Live Public Sales: £350 + VAT; for Timed, Online-only Sales: £195 + VAT.

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*	Import low rate
	VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.
N	NOVA declaration
	This machine is subject to post-sale customs administration and, for UK Buyers, a NOVA declaration. Whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice, as follows: for Live Public Sales: £350 + VAT; for Timed, Online-only Sales: £195 + VAT.