Ariel logo

History of Ariel motorcycles and logo

The company started by producing bicycles and bicycle parts. The firm name is associated with the British James Starley and William Hillman (who subsequently left the team). They produced the very first low-cost all-metal bicycle in the UK, which was called «Ariel». That’s how the company got its name. In 1896, the firm united with the Westwood Manufacturing Company. In 1902, the first motorcycle with the «Kerry» engine was released. In 1905, Charles Sangster bought the company and developed the most lightweight motor bicycle of that time. Later, Charles Sangster lost his interest in two-wheeled motorcycles. So, his son Jack Sangster became the new director of the Ariel company. The financial crisis had an extremely bad impact on the company, and its plant was almost closed in 1932. Jack Sangster decided to save the firm but kept only a part of the production capacity. Everything else was sold. As a result, the company received the new Ariel Motors name. In 1951, BSA bought the company. Executives did not change the brand name. They continued producing a separate line of motorcycles. At the beginning of the 1960’s, the BSA group faced financial difficulties. One plant was closed, and manufacturing was reduced. All company production together with all the other BSA workshops were transferred to Small Heath. By 1966 it became clear that the Ariel brand was about to die. The three-wheeled «Anker» motorcycle with a Dutch engine was the company’s last dying breath. But customers didn’t really like the new model, and in 1970 the firm was forced to close. That’s how the company with a great history ceased to exist.