c.1946 Ariel 346cc NG/NH Project

Motorcycles Online - The Summer Sale|15 June 2026, 15:10 BST|Online, Milton Keynes

c.1946 Ariel 346cc NG/NH Project

Registration no. not registered
Frame no. unable to locate
Engine no. BK986

By 1930, Ariel's Val Page-designed singles had gained a rear-mounted magneto and their distinctive timing cover, and this basic engine design - frequently revised - would stand the company in good stead well into the post-war era. The NH sports versions were designated 'Red Hunter', and under Page's successor,, Edward Turner, were developed into fast and stylish machines. For the 1936 season the Standard models were dropped and two new overhead-valve De Luxe models introduced: the 250cc LG and 350cc NG, complementing the sporting Red Hunters. The 350cc NG produced 13bhp at 5,000rpm and, in common with the rest of the range, received a four-speed foot-change Burman gearbox for 1937. Telescopic forks were first adopted in 1946 (on the Red Hunter) and were fitted to the NG from 1947 onwards. Production of the NG ceased in 1950 and that of the NH in 1959.

No previous history is known of this Ariel motorcycle, other than the fact that it was laid up for many years in the garage where it was discovered, unfortunately positioned beneath a hole in the roof. There are no documents with this Lot, which is offered for restoration and sold strictly as viewed. Key not required.

Footnotes

BUYER'S PREMIUM
The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 28%+VAT on the first £40k of the Hammer Price, then 27%+VAT up to £800k, then 21%+VAT up to £4.5M and 14.5%+VAT thereafter.

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.

CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS
Please see the 'CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS' at the top of the main sale page (Motorcycles Online - The Summer Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation.

REQUEST A TRANSPORT QUOTE
To request a UK or European Motorcycle shipping quote visit Moving Motorcycles.
To request an International Motorcycle shipping quote visit Shippio.
To request a Memorabilia and Spares shipping quote visit Mail Boxes Etc - Milton Keynes.

Saleroom notices

We are pleased to confirm that the frame number is: XG27848. The Ariel Owners Motorcycle Club has kindly advised the following: • Frame number XG27848 is a 1941 WNG model, supplied to the RAF as part of contract C/S 11464, which covered 750 machines. • Engine number BK986 was dispatched in November 1945, making it a 1946 model, and is an NH unit.

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.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
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.
- Motorcycles