Ariel Golden Arrow

Ariel produced their 250cc twin cylinder Leader in 1958 to industry acclaim. However, after a year or two, youngsters were stripping bodywork off the ‘tourer’ to make it go faster and look sportier. Ariel followed their lead and produced this Arrow Sports in 1960. It has 10:1 compression ratio and a larger carburettor, giving a top speed of 80 mph in a well-handling, smooth package. The bike was given the name ‘Golden Arrow’ because of the colour of its tank.

This example was purchased as a ‘basket case’ in the early 1990s by the late Dave Cartmell from Dunfermline. He had been a big Leader/Arrow fan in his younger days and this purchase was made to re-unite him with his first motorcycle love. Dave sadly died in 2016 aged eighty and this bike is a tribute to his restoration work.