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Difference between revisions of "Ariel"
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[[Image:Gb.jpg|right|70px]] | [[Image:Gb.jpg|right|70px]] | ||
'''Ariel''' began in 1847 in Bournbrook, England as a manufacturer of pneumatic-tired wheels for horse drawn carriages. In 1885 Ariel moved into bicycle production under the leadership of James Starley ("Father of the Bicycle Industry") and William Hillman. | '''Ariel''' began in 1847 in Bournbrook, England as a manufacturer of pneumatic-tired wheels for horse drawn carriages. In 1885 Ariel moved into bicycle production under the leadership of James Starley ("Father of the Bicycle Industry") and William Hillman. | ||
== | ==History== | ||
[[Image:1949-Ariel-NH-Hunter.jpg|right|thumb|260px|1949 Ariel NH Hunter]] | [[Image:1949-Ariel-NH-Hunter.jpg|right|thumb|260px|1949 Ariel NH Hunter]] | ||
'''Ariel''' is one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers. Before starting to build [[motorcycles]] around the turn of the century, they were well known for their bicycles. Based in Selly Oak in the Midlands, by the 1930s they had became one of Britain's most influential manufacturers. They employed | '''Ariel''' is one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers. Before starting to build [[motorcycles]] around the turn of the century, they were well known for their bicycles. The first Ariel vehicle was a Tricycle that used a 2.25 hp De Dion engine mounted at the rear. More tricycles were produced and quadricycles were added in 1901 as Ariel then moved into car production. Over the years, the company had financial difficulties including going into receivership in 1911 for a period. Based in Selly Oak in the Midlands, by the 1930s they had became one of Britain's most influential manufacturers. They employed Edward Turner, Val Page and Bert Hopwood - who would later become known as three of the British bike industry's greatest designers. In the 1930s Ariel closed down due to financial problems, but was restarted when Jack Sangster son of Ariel's founder Charles, bought the firm and restarted production of bikes such as the VH500 Red Hunter. The [[BSA]] group took control of Ariel in 1944. | ||