Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tuesday 25th March from 1pm
Auction: Wednesday 26th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1926 Ariel Model A Sports
Fast Vintage machine
Estimate
£5, 500 - £6, 500
Registration No: DD 9176
Frame No: P2337
MOT: Exempt
Lot details
Registration No: DD 9176
Frame No: P2337
MOT: Exempt
Recent shed discovery after 21 years
A fast Vintage machine of the day
Engine turns over with compression
A current V5C on file
Having apprenticed at JAP where he created the V-Twin engines that garnered such prestige for Brough Superior aboard its SS80 and SS100 models, Valentine ‘Val’ Page joined Ariel as Chief Designer in 1925. Managing to completely revamp his new employer’s range by the year’s end, he introduced a new aesthetic via lower seating positions, shortened wheelbases and higher-set saddle tanks that saw sales increase ten-fold within two years! Part of Page’s new line-up, the Models C and D were handsome machines powered by a 500cc overhead valve single.
Thought to be a Model D on the basis of its equipment levels (though, it could be a Model C), Frame No P2337 was first registered as ‘DD 9176’ on March 24th 1926. Supplied new by the Cheltenham Cycle Company to Maurice Watkins of Westbury-on-Severn, Gloucestershire, the Ariel is understood to have subsequently belonged to Sydney Jennings and Mr Grindle of the same locale. Acquired by the renowned dealer (and collector) Bryan Verrall in 1972, the sporting OHV single entered the current ownership some thirty-two years later. Squirreled away in a shed thereafter, it has only recently resurfaced and will require recommissioning prior to use. Offered for sale with a current V5C and some handwritten notes.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
