Early Ariel 'goes home' for London auction

By co-incidence, the auction conducted by Bonhams at their New Bond Street rooms is the same location where this Ariel was sold new 112 years ago.

Ariel, who started off as many British motorcycle brands did as a bicycle manufacturer, built their first powered three wheeler in 1898, but didn't produce their first, recognised powered two wheeler until 1902, so the quadricycle to be auctioned in November actually predates Ariel motorcycle manufacture.

The Ariel to be auctioned, a 1901 345cc quadricycle in the 'forecar' style (where the passenger sat the front, ahead of the driver/rider), was originally sold at the New Bond Street address, then Ariel's sales room, to a Captain A Loftus Bryan, who kept it for more than six decades. Interestingly, these particular Ariels were sold as three wheelers, with the option of a four wheel conversion at time of purchase, or afterward, should the buyer choose.

The quadricycle was restored by a UK specialist sometime after the late 1960s, and still presents in exceptional condition. Bonhams expect the 1901 quadricycle to sell in the £25,000 - 35,000 range (AU$42,600 - 59,640).

"Once in a while, a delightful co-incidence occurs which greatly adds to the excitement of a machine," said Bonhams' Motorcycle Specialist, James Stensel.
"How strange to think of this machine surviving over a century to be sold in exactly the same place it was sold all those years ago.

"We are delighted to be offering a machine of such excellence, Ariel's ideal, matched by Bonhams today."

Specialising in pre-1905 vehicles (as required to be eligible for the historic London to Brighton run), Bonhams 'London to Brighton Run Sale' will take place at their New Bond Street rooms, London, on Friday, November 1, 2013. Further details at: www.bonhams.com.

Images: Bonhams.