Description
H&H Classic Auction @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
15th November, 2023 13:00
1961 Ariel Golden Arrow
Rare Arrow SS model
Estimate
£3, 000 - £4, 000
Registration No: 534 XUM
Frame No: T20612-G
Engine No: T20612-G
CC: 250
MOT: Exempt
Authentically restored Golden Arrow SS
The sports version of the famous Leader
Supplied with lots of paperwork and a V5C
Like a lot of British motorcycle companies, Ariel began producing bicycles in the late 1800s eventually progressing onto motorcycles in 1902. After a typically rocky few years for manufacturers in the early part of the century, in 1932 Jack Sangster bought Ariel from the receivers at a bargain price. The company was renamed Ariel Motors (J. S.) Ltd, and promptly resumed production in a new factory in Selly Oak Birmingham and one of their first bikes produced was the Ariel Square Four designed by Edward Turner followed by the Ariel Red Hunter. The Red Hunter was such a success it enabled Ariel to purchase Triumph motorcycles, eventually becoming part of the BSA group in 1951. Designed by Val Page and Bernard Knight, the Ariel Leader featured a 250cc two-stroke engine suspended from a monocoque frame fabricated from pressed steel panels. The sports Arrow was added in 1961 and quickly became known as the Golden Arrow because of the gold panels on the dummy fuel tank.
This genuine Golden Arrow SS is offered in the correct colour scheme for the model. It has undergone an extensive restoration by the current owner with ?no expense spared?, with many parts being supplied by Dragonfly Motorcycles, including electronic ignition, a new alternator, a new cotton-covered loom and switches, new wheel rims, spokes and whitewall tyres. The engine and gearbox have been fully rebuilt with a large quantity of receipts and paperwork detailing the process, and the vendor reports that it is ?ready for the road and starts and runs very well?. This beautifully presented Arrow comes supplied with a letter of confirmation of authenticity from the Ariel Owner?s Club, an original owner?s manual, numerous receipts and a current V5C.
