Description
This motorcycle is Lot 217 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale (The International Classic MotorCycle Show) on April 25th & 26th, please see the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 94 are to be sold from 14:30 on Saturday 25th April 2026.
Lots 201 - 353 are to be sold from 11:30am on Sunday 26th April 2026.
Public Viewing:
Available 25th & 26th April 2026 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Staffordshire County Showground (The International Classic MotorCycle Show).
The David Plant Collection
** 1904 Ariel 2¾hp No. 1**
Registration no. HHO 638
Frame no. 93501
Engine no. A. 1345
A firm with its roots in the cycle industry, Ariel exhibited its first powered two-wheeler in 1901, employing a 211cc, 1½hp (later 239cc, 2hp) Minerva engine. Ariel's own 2¼hp power unit followed in 1903, but the Birmingham firm continued to rely mainly on proprietary engines. In March 1903 the company introduced a 3½hp (417cc) engine of its own design, which was one of two power units available for the No. 1 model, the other being the aforementioned 2¼hp. The 2¾ model is first mentioned by Peter Hartley in his definitive marque history, The Ariel Story, in connection with the London-to-Edinburgh Trial held at the end of May 1904, when Victor F Feeny's was one of four Ariels entered.
Last taxed until October 2015, this rare Edwardian Ariel is an older restoration that would benefit from detailed cleaning. The machine is fitted with a period RAC associates badge; a three-trumpet horn; a Lucas Silver King headlight; and an Ariel leather saddle. The engine turns over.
Registered to the current vendor in 1990, the Ariel is offered with a Pioneer Certificate dated 25th September 1987, listing frame number '93501', engine number 'A. 1345' and registration number 'HHO 638'. The ignition system is recorded as trembler coil and the carburettor as a B&B.; Also on file is a photograph annotated on the reverse: '1904 Ariel No. 1, VMCC number 4819'.
A letter from Ariel marque specialist Jim Lee to our vendor dated 25th September 1986 confirms that frame '93501' is a 1904 example. In his letter he notes that, unfortunately, no engine or frame number records survive and that he has only copies of period sales literature. Also included is a large quantity of photocopies of period literature; images of the machine as found; and an old V5 recording the date of first registration as 1st September 1949. The previous recorded keeper is Eric Sidney Symes of Bank Street, Bishop's Waltham, Southampton; the declared year of manufacture is 1904, and the V5 was issued to the vendor in March 1990. Also on file is correspondence with Adrie de Graaff regarding the machine, and an invoice from Ian Jennings dated 12th July 2012 for an engine rebuild. Offered with old/ current V5/ V5C documents.
Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/ or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
Key not required
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. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
