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Circa 1915 Ariel 670cc Vee Twin Split crank cases marked 47…
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Auckland
Date:
22-Jul-2008
Lot No.
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Description:
Circa 1915 Ariel 670cc Vee Twin Split crank cases marked 47 Lower engine marked A5824 The Great Unknown Very little is known about this very early example of the Ariel Vee Twin. The vendor can recall seeing the motorcycle in his late brother's garage in the late 1950s. With the heavily dusted patina it is also difficult to ascertain whether the bike was recommissioned long ago. Turning over smoothly, the 670cc displacement motor is wet and all componentry is authentic and complete. The machine is powered by a Vee Twin 670cc motor, has a, a foot clutch pedal, a hand-change, three-speed gear and a 50-degree bosch magneto, and runs on 26x2-inch beaded edge tires. When marketed, it was priced high at 70/15/- pounds. Undoubtedly one of the oldest Ariel Vee Twins in the southern hemisphere, this wonderful example would respond well to a very light and sympathetic restoration. The motorcycle comes with an original parts manual and a significant range of accompanying parts. Like many motorcycle manufacturers, Ariel has a history that -drawn carriages. However, it wasn't until the company patented their invention of the tension spoke wheel in 1870 that Ariel's mark was permanently struck. It then went on to produce Britain's first all-metal penny farthing machine and named it the Ariel - Spirit of Air - as it was lighter than most other contemporary machines. The first Ariel motorcycle was produced in 1902 under licence from White and Poppe. When the Great War broke out, the Ariel consisted of only three models: a 350cc two stroke single, a 498cc s.v. single and a 670cc s.v. Vee Twin. Ariel attracted pivotal designers such as J A Preswick, Bert Hopwood and Edward Turner (the man behind the most influential vertical twin ever made, Triumph's Speed Twin, and also the imposing Ariel Square Four (refer Lot 12).Widely recognised as having produced some of the most handsome and success motorcycles during its illustrious and turbulent history this Ariel is a significant and truly historical find.
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Motor Vehicles: Motor Cycles