Widely recognised as one of Britain's greatest motorcycle designers, Val Page served his apprenticeship as a motorcycle engineer and designer with J.A. Prestwich (JAP). Working with Ariel, Triumph, JAP and BSA, Page developed victorious racing motorcycles and stunning civilian machines that influenced generations of motorcycle design. Page left Ariel in late1927 to rejoin JAP and developed speedway machines. This stripped-down version of his 500cc OHV machine is an interesting reminder of where Page's interests were to lead him. This race prepared machine was dredged from a pond, circa 1960, by Mivia Vangucci of the Cocrerry Ariel Owners Club and its early history is unknown. Some have speculated that it may have belonged to a lost solider as it was not uncommon for young men to stash their bikes prior to heading to the front. Quickly reconstituted as you see it today, the machine was raced by W.J. Bauloy from 1962 to 1966. The bike became a familiar and popular sight on grass track circuits in southern and western England, being raced by Richard Showton from 1966 to 1972. Although now over 80 years old, this modified road bike always gave the competition a good run for their money. Incredibly versatile, this machine secured second in the UK national grass championship of 1969 and delivered the fastest time of the day on its hill climb ascent! The machine was badly burned in 1973 and retired. Landing in New Zealand in 1975, it has remained true to form, rough and ready.