How I became the owner of an Ariel 4F 600 OHC 1932

[marwsk]

At the time, I wasn’t planning to buy another motorcycle, and I certainly wasn't looking for an Ariel OHC. But sometimes life has its own plans!

On Tuesday, 5th February 2019, I received a message on the Ariel Klub Polska (Ariel Club Poland) website, which I created and run. It was an offer to buy an incomplete Ariel OHC. The motorcycle was in very incomplete. All I had was a frame (with some modifications to the rear section), an engine, a gearbox, two wheels, and the brake and gear levers. Nothing else! To be honest, I wasn't very interested. I didn't have the money to buy such a big project anyway, so I didn't think much more about it.

By accident, I sent an email to Roger Gwynn, asking him where this motorcycle had originally been sold.

His answer changed everything.

It turned out that this motorcycle was one of only 16 examples sold in Poland by Alfons Meister in the city of Lodz. At that moment, everything changed. Money was no longer the most important thing. I knew this motorcycle had to be mine! And so, completely unexpectedly, I became the owner of one of the most iconic Ariel models.

The last photo was taken on Thursday, 7th February. Just two days after I first heard about the motorcycle! And this is how the story began... I drove 600 km that day and returned to the workshop in the evening. I had plenty of parts for an Ariel there, left over from my other projects. I was 31 years old

[nevhunter]

Seems like a good outcome. Nev

[Karol Burger]

I know your story; it was the right decision to save this gem.

[AlbertR]

A piece of history, great find!

[marwsk]

Actually, just two days after buying the motorcycle, I managed to put it together, at least roughly, using whatever parts I happened to have in my workshop. A week later, I got it running!

The work that followed was not quite as spectacular. Over the next few weeks, I managed to acquire many of the essential parts. I knew that if I didn't do it then, I probably never would!

The years 2020–2023 were extremely busy in my workshop. Many of my projects made significant progress during that time. I doubt I could have achieved so much without the help of my reliable friends from Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

The motorcycle had undergone quite a few repairs during the communist era: the rear section of the frame had been repaired, and the pistons, oil pump and valves were all handmade.

The most important thing, however, was that the motorcycle was matching numbers and all the key components were in very good condition.

[marwsk]

And more photos.

[Roger Gwynn]

I think you have every right to look happy!!

[Karol Burger]

Many people often give up during the renovation process. It simply eats them up financially. It’s better to spread such a demanding project out over a longer period. Yes, you’ve done a tremendous amount of great work. You’ve earned that smile. I know how much energy a project like this consumes.