Ariel quadricycle, c. 1900. Part of a family of vehicles easily forgotten in the evolution of the modern motorcycle and automobile. Ariel Co. started by making tricycles and moved into making quadricycles and automobiles in 1900. Quadricycles came about in an attempt to make the motor-tricycles capable of carrying a passenger. These vehicles anticipated the sidecar which eventually appeared in 1903. Apart from being able to carry a passenger these vehicles had some key differences to the motor-tricycle, the engine now sat in front of the rear axle with an air cooled barrel and water cool head, the gears were totally enclosed and constantly lubricated and the exhaust valve was mechanically operated while the inlet valve was automatic.
One Ariel quadricycle. See TOP record for extended description.
Saddle from the Ariel quadricycle, 1922-171 pt.1. See TOP record for extended description.
Four mudguards, a chain and two accessories for Ariel quadricycle, made by Ariel. Co, 1900.
Four mudguards, a small chain, wire cable, a collection of rubber strips, and a bag of metal fixings and components for the Ariel quadricycle
