Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
26th March 2025 - 9:00AM
1934 Ariel VH
Pre War 500cc model
Estimate
£4, 500 - £6, 500
Registration No: UG 8451
Frame No: Y2882
MOT: Exempt
500cc VH Twin Port single cylinder
Girder front forks with a rigid rear end
Supplied with a bull log book and a V5C
Like many British motorcycle companies, Ariel began producing bicycles in the late 1800s eventually progressing onto motorcycles in 1902. After a typically rocky few years for manufacturers in the early part of the century, in 1932 Jack Sangster bought Ariel from the receivers at a bargain price. The company was renamed Ariel Motors (J. S.) Ltd, and promptly resumed production in a new factory in Selly Oak Birmingham and one of their first bikes produced was the OHC Ariel Square Four designed by Edward Turner and the updated Ariel Red Hunter single in various engine sizes. The new models proved to be such a success it enabled Ariel to purchase Triumph motorcycles, eventually becoming part of the BSA group in 1951. The 500cc VH model was the top of the Red Hunter range, a good looking bike with the instrument panel in its red and chrome petrol tank.
This beautifully presented Red Hunter 500 has been part of a small private collection for the last 25 years after being supplied new on the 28th of February 1934. The engine is the earlier twin-port design with the two chrome high level exhaust pipes and silencers giving the bike a pleasing balanced look. The bike has been authentically restored keeping a good degree of originality with its tank mounted instrument panel containing a full compliment of gauges including speedo, clock, oil pressure gauge and an inspection lamp. Started and run recently, it comes supplied with a continuation buff log book dated 1946 and a few old MOTs together with a current V5C.
