The David Plant Collection, c.1919 Ariel 3½hp

Powered by the White & Poppe engine and equipped with a three-speed countershaft gearbox, this early Ariel is a mixture of restored and unrestored components, albeit the only items that appear restored are the tank and the levers and controls (possibly replacements). Otherwise the machine has original finished to the mudguards, frame and saddle (which is an Empire-De-Luxe with original upholstery). This Ariel has the stronger saddle spring hangers, which were evidently for military machines. The engine number's first digit is only an approximation and cannot be determined with certainty; however, the barrel has matching numbers and appears to be stamped '9014'. The engine does not turn over as the gearbox appears to be stuck.

The history file contains various items of photocopied literature relating to Ariel motorcycles, including details of the Ariel three-speed countershaft gearbox introduced in 1914, together with photocopies of The Motor Cycle magazine dated July 1917, which illustrate a batch of 3½hp Ariel machines destined for the Allied forces during the First World War. Also on file are letters dated 1996 from the Aerial Owners Motorcycle Club, addressed to Adrie de Graaff of the Netherlands, written by the Club's machine registrar and archivist, Mr Hawkins. In these letters Mr Hawkins discusses the specification of wartime Ariel machines produced between 1914 and 1917, and notes that the pre-Vale Page era factory records (i.e. those produced prior to the company's reorganisation in 1926) were stored separately from later documentation and unfortunately were destroyed during a wartime air raid, meaning that detailed factory production records for machines of this period no longer survive. Mr Hawkins also notes that Aerial frame and engine numbers from this period do not appear to follow any clearly identifiable sequence, making precise dating difficult. He further comments that the unusually wide handlebars fitted to the machine would be consistent with wartime specification. The history file also includes photographs of the Ariel as found and prior to restoration, showing a 1915 date plate fitted to the front of the motorcycle.

Overall the file represents an extensive collection of photocopied research material relating to early Aerial production and wartime machines, although there is no surviving documentation that definitively dates this motorcycle. Further research is therefore recommended to establish whether the machine was originally supplied as a wartime military motorcycle later civilianised after the First World War, or whether it represents a post-war production machine of similar specification.

Further correspondence on file includes a quantity of letters exchanged between the vendor and Adrie de Graaff of the Netherlands. In a letter dated June 1998, Adrie notes that the Army Aerial is believed to date from November 1915, part of a batch supplied to the Italian Front during the First World War. He states that the machine appears to have remained in Italy for most of its life, and that it is largely complete and original, commenting that 'it belongs together, even the V-belt'.

Adrie describes the machine as being finished in military green with white lettering, and notes that new footboards have been fitted as the originals were broken, though the original parts were retained. He further records that the saddle is the original heavier-duty military type, while the primary chain case was missing, although he believed a replacement could be sourced from a supplier in England. The letter also remarks that no original documentation accompanied the machine. The Minerva engine was reported to require only cleaning, with piston rings still serviceable, though the contact breaker was missing and some cooling fins were broken. At that time the carburettor was absent also, the correct type being a Longuemare, which Adrie notes had recently become available in newly manufactured form. There are no documents with this Lot.

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.
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