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LOT 554

1938 Ariel 499cc Model VG Registration no. DSV 727 Frame no. XG-7675 Engine no. CD-2178

Estimate: £6,500 - £7,500
Lot 554

1938 Ariel 499cc Model VG
Registration no. DSV 727 Frame no. XG-7675 Engine no. CD-2178

1938 Ariel 499cc Model VG
Registration no. DSV 727
Frame no. XG-7675
Engine no. CD-2178

Val Page's arrival at Ariel in 1925 as Chief Designer would trigger a welcome upturn in the Selly Oak firm's fortunes. Page designed new models to replace the existing range, the first of which - a pair of singles displacing 600cc (sidevalve) and 500cc (overhead-valve) - debuted later that year. By 1930 the Ariel single had gained a rear-mounted magneto and its distinctive timing cover, and the engine's basic design - though frequently revised - would stand the company in good stead well into the post-war era. In 1932 the sports versions were christened 'Red Hunter' and under Page's successor Edward Turner developed into fast and stylish machines.

Ariel Owners' Club records show that both the frame and engine of this machine date from 1938 (the V5C incorrectly records the year of manufacture as 1933, no doubt due to a typographical error). This machine was rebuilt around three years ago having been acquired by the private vendor in 2011. Said to be 'generally as per factory specification', it has not been used since the rebuild's completion and will require re-commissioning before returning to the road.

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

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  • 28 April 2001, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 27 April 2019, 09:00 - 18:00 BST

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