Ariel Leader

Key facts

Year

1959
Country

Great Britain
Capacity

247cc
Cylinders

2
Output

16bhp at 6,400rpm
Performance

69mph
Price new

£210
Owner

National Motor Museum Trust
Manufacturer

Ariel Motors Ltd, Birmingham

Ariel surprised the motorcycling world when it launched the Leader in 1958. The first two-stroke Ariel since 1916, it incorporated a range of novel features. Die-cast engine components, pressed steel frame and thermoplastic body panels, kept production costs down by reducing labour intensive machining to a minimum. This Leader is ‘as new’ having been used only once before going into storage. The speedometer shows just 36 miles.

In 1959 Ariel, now part of BSA, replaced its remaining four-stroke bikes with the Arrow, a sports version of the Leader. Production of Ariel motorcycles ended in 1965, although the Ariel name continued in use on a scooter until 1975.