LOT 530

1946 Ariel 598cc VB600 Registration no. 433 HPY Frame no. BP 1652 Engine no. CD 2375 (See text)

Sold for £3,680 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 530

1946 Ariel 598cc VB600

Motorcycles Online - The Winter Sale|15 December 2025, 12:30 GMT|Online, Milton Keynes

1946 Ariel 598cc VB600
Registration no. 433 HPY
Frame no. BP 1652
Engine no. CD 2375 (See text)

When Ariel resumed production after the end of the Second World War, it was under new ownership, as Jack Sangster, who had saved the company from ruin in 1932, sold it to BSA in 1944. The post-war model range consisted of 6 models - two 350s, two 500s, the 600 VB, and the Square Four. The VB was effectively the same machine that Ariel had produced before the war. Initially the models were produced with rigid frames and girder forks, but by 1947 the range was equipped with Anstey link rear suspension and telescopic forks, remaining in this layout until the advent of the swinging arm frame for 1954.

433 HPY is therefore one of the few post-war machines produced by the factory with a rigid frame, and girder forks. It was purchased by the deceased owner at an indeterminate time, and after some work and replacement parts in 1982/83, as evidenced by invoices on file, the owner was able to MoT the Ariel in 1983, and reference to the expired MoT certificates suggests that it was used thereafter on a regular basis for some years, albeit with only limited mileage. It has evidently not been used in recent years, and is therefore sold strictly as viewed, and will require recommissioning and safety checks prior to use by a new owner. The engine number suggests that 433 HPY has been fitted with a replacement engine, as the number relates to the 1938 model year. Documentation comprises a current V5C, an old-type V5, a quantity of expired MoT certificates, and a quantity of correspondence, invoices, and sundry papers. Also present are a photocopy spare parts list, and a maintenance book.
Key not required

Footnotes

BUYER'S PREMIUM
The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 15%+VAT on the first £500k of the Hammer Price, and 12%+VAT on the balance 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 Winter Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation.

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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
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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.
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1946 Ariel 598cc VB600

1946 Ariel 598cc VB600Registration no. 433 HPYFrame no. BP 1652Engine no. CD 2375 (See text)

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1946 Ariel 598cc VB600
Registration no. 433 HPY
Frame no. BP 1652
Engine no. CD 2375 (See text)