The David Plant Collection, c.1901 Ariel Minerva Veteran Project

Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 41440'0' (NB the final digit is indistinct)
Engine no. 169

This Lot comprises a frame, forks, engine, carburettor, wheel rims, seat, tank, and pedal gear. The accompanying correspondence relating to this early Pioneer-era machine provides a fascinating insight into the complexities of identifying and authenticating very early motorcycles and clip-on engine 'motor cycles'. Contained within the file are letters exchanged between the vendor, David Plant; noted VMCC Minerva and Werner marque specialist, Dr Derek Foxton; and Maltese collector Philip Camilleri, spanning the period 1996-2011.

The earliest correspondence, dating from 1996-1998, records David Plant's detailed discussions with Dr Derek Foxton concerning the identification of the machine. The correspondence discusses catalogue illustrations, frame similarities, carburettor types, surviving fittings and the possibility that certain identification plates may have replaced earlier Minerva markings. David Plant himself notes that the machine's existence had already attracted interest among Pioneer motorcycle enthusiasts and researchers. Particularly significant is the surviving exchange between David Plant and Philip Camilleri, whose own closely related Minerva project had been researched extensively during the early 2000s. In a detailed typed letter dated 14 January 2002, Mr Camilleri describes the discovery and restoration of an early Minerva assembled largely from original components recovered from a pile of discarded parts belonging to an elderly Maltese blacksmith who had owned the machine since the 1920s. Camilleri explains that research undertaken with the assistance of Old Bike magazine, Minerva specialists and the VMCC suggested the machine incorporated a 1903-pattern Minerva engine, while surviving original frame, forks, pedals and fittings provided valuable evidence during the restoration process.

Subsequent handwritten correspondence from 2011 demonstrates that David later revisited these earlier exchanges while attempting to obtain Pioneer Certificate recognition for his own machine through the Sunbeam Motorcycle Club. In these letters, David refers to Mr Camilleri's machine as 'similar' though 'not identical' to his own example and specifically discusses comparative frame and transmission details around the pedal bracket area. David additionally mentions ownership of another 1903 Minerva 2¼hp engine with mechanically operated valves, further underlining the depth of his research into these exceptionally early Minerva power units.

Taken together, the correspondence represents an unusual body of research into this Pioneer motorcycle configuration. The correspondence documents contemporary expert opinion; comparative study with other surviving Minerva-powered machines; and the considerable efforts undertaken over many years to establish the precise dating, specification and originality of this rare early motorcycle.

Taken from The Motor Cycle, November 18th, 1903. Page 791 reviewing that year's Stanley Show: "Motor bicycles will form the chief exhibit of the pioneer manufacturers of all-British motor cycles. Ten motor bicycles will be shown, with a variety of Ariel sidecarriages and forecarriages, prices varying from thirty-five guineas upwards. One of the special features of this exhibit will be the new 3½ h.p. Ariel engine, with the now popular mechanically operated valves. This model has been specially designed for use in conjunction with sidecarriage or forecarriage. The engine is up to the usual well-known Ariel standard, and bristles with good points, a few being: Extra large phosphor bronze bearings; fly-wheels of equal weight; new designed contact breaker with transparent celluloid face; two to one gear, rotated by a worm drive, entirely detachable i without disturbing the crank case. The 3½h.p. Ariel motor bicycle will be fitted with Ariel duplex front forks, Longuemare spray carburetter (sic), two accumulators with two-way switch, exhaust valve-lifter, and combined cut-out to operate from the handle-bar. The Ariel 2¼h.p. model will be on similar lines, but fitted with a surface carburetter, as this type has been found the most suitable for an engine of this power. Ariel-Minerva models are marvellous value, and the 2h.p. Ariel-Minerva at thirty-five guineas will be very hard to beat; 2¾ and 3½h.p. Ariel-Minervas will be offered at forty and forty- five guineas respectively, inclusive of Minerva- Longuemare spray carburetter. A very interesting link with the past will be found on. this stand in the shape of an Ariel motor tricycle and quad, in which class of machine the Ariel Company held practically a monopoly a few seasons ago; they are still open to supply in limited quantities. This firm will also show one of their new patent attachments for coupling an ordinary bicycle to a motor bicycle, which has been perfected in every way and fully protected."

According to marque specialist Derek Foxton (see correspondence dated May 2026), the Minerva engine fitted is believed to date from the final three months of 1901, identifiable by its distinctive 'removable top chamber' cylinder heads and automatic atmospheric inlet valve arrangement, with the engine number supporting this dating. Derek notes that the present spray carburettor arrangement is incorrect, as the engine would originally have employed a surface carburettor system, and further observes that the fuel tank is likewise non-original in form. Following further correspondence and comparison with period imagery, Derek located a published image of a 1903 Minerva-engined Ariel motorcycle displaying an identical frame design. Referring also to Bacon and Hallworth's The British Motorcycle Directory, which records Ariel motorcycle production from 1901 onwards, Derek ultimately concluded that the present machine's frame and Minerva engine are likely compatible as components of a very early Ariel motorcycle dating from late 1901 or early 1902. He remained firm, however, that the existing fuel tank and spray carburettor do not accord with the original specification (see above). A potentially most rewarding project (the engine turns over).

Condition and completeness unknown, Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.