Description
Ariel 1914 5-6 HP 670cc V-twin combination frame # 5595 engine # A5515
Components Ltd., the Ariel parent company, had been involved in producing motorized vehicles since 1898. For the 1910 season a radical change occurred in the motorcycle range. All previous models were discontinued and were replaced by 3 ½ HP machines that would remain in production for the next 15 years: the T-head White & Poppe engine, in which the inlet and exhaust valves were placed an extraordinarily 4 ½ inches apart. Because of this the new machines soon gained the nickname of “ the Ariels with valves a-mile-apart”. The new models proved very popular with motorcycle enthusiasts and in 1911 Components Ltd. bought the patents rights of the engine and started producing the power unit itself, at the same time increasing the bore to enlarge the swept volume from 482cc to 498 cc. For sidecar work a 2-speed, 7 HP V-twin powered machine was first catalogued in 1913. This engine had a capacity of 1000cc and was manufactured inhouse. For 1914 this machine was replaced by a model that was powered by a 670cc Abingdon engine and was fitted with a 3-speed countershaft gearbox with foot-operated clutch, chain-cum-belt transmission and a comfortable sprung saddle post. This new twin was also available in solo form. After 1919 the 670cc Abingdon engines were discontinued and replaced by 6-7 HP 795cc power units. These early Ariel v-twins are pretty rare, only a few have survived. This particular machine was bought in 1977 by a Dutch enthusiast from well-known English collector Harry Fenby. Subsequently the machine was restored and some years ago a newly-made wicker sidecar body on a Mills-Fulford chassis was added to accommodate the former owner’s spouse. Interestingly, in the December 2018 issue of the club magazine of the VMCC a period photograph of AT 2112 was published. This photo plus various pre-restauration photos and correspondence comes with the machine. Accessories include P&H acetylene lighting, Watford 60 mph speedo, bulb horn and tyre pump. This road-registered combination has a Pioneer Certificate and is a good runner. She has taken part in various veteran motorcycle runs these last few years and in the summer of 2023 she successfully participated in the Anglo-Dutch Rally that was held in Warwickshire, England.