I was at Disco Dez Scooters at Dunley today as I'm restoring a 1952 Douglas Vespa rod model and naturally the conversation turned to Ariels. Des dug out some old photo's he has of one of Chas Cope's shops, probably in 1937 as there's an advertisement for reduced prices on 1936 models. He kindly sent...

I didn't know about Astra/Ariels being made in Italy until I saw this listing for an auction in Milan. It looks very much like an MF32. Astra 1.jpg Astra 2.jpg A (Google) translation of the accompanying text: Active in Milan from 1931 to 1953, Astra was based in Via Lanzone and was founded by Max Tu...

If the studs are round with a flat on one side then they appear to be the same as the girder fork spindles on my 1914 New Hudson 211cc so they could be spindles for a lightweight pair of girders.

This may or may not be relevant but I have a '39 4F with the non bi-starter Solex. I've had similar problems as you describe and it's always been caused by dirt in the carb. I found that cleaning each component and even putting them through the ultrasonic cleaner didn't cure it. Only completely dism...

There's a rare 1930s centre knob toolbox on ebay item number: 193021072817

It's on a buy it now but unfortunately it's in the USA and the customs and shipping add another $100 but if you need one badly enough.....

Thanks everyone. I actually have two 1939 250s and one is the 1939 OH 250 KMT470 in Hartley's book which I ride regularly but at the moment is missing it's outer chaincase as I recently dropped it in at a foundry in Derby to have another cast for the OG 250 I'm restoring. KMT 470 was bought new by a...

Thanks Paul, that's exactly what it is - it's been broken at some point but still obvious now you mention it. I can't believe how I didn't see it. I guess that blows away my hopes that it was a bracket only found on rare prototypes!

As my OG 250 restoration came close to the end I realised after seven years that all was not well with the frame and engine numbers so I decided the best way forward was to look for another frame - not an easy task for a model which Ariel only made a few hundred of. It's a long story and perhaps one...

That happened to me last year, I identified a load of parts and an Ariel for someone, made him what I thought was a generous offer. The next thing I know it's listed on ebay in multiple lots. Ironically he failed to get anywhere near what I offered which made me realise I'd been far too enthusiastic...

I'm going to Clay cross this Friday in my van so can easily pick them up and bring them to the AGM