Quadricycle

Made:
1900 in Birmingham

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.

Details

Category:
Road Transport
Object Number:
1922-171
type:
private cars
credit:
Trustees of Motor Museum

Parts

Saddle from an Ariel quadricycle

Saddle from an Ariel quadricycle

Saddle from the Ariel quadricycle, 1922-171 pt.1. See TOP record for extended description.

Object Number:
1922-171 Pt2
type:
saddle