LOT 223

1939 Ariel 350cc Red Hunter Registration no. HPE 362 Frame no. XG 5568 Engine no. BE 262

Sold for £5,175 inc. premium

Lot 223

1939 Ariel 350cc Red Hunter

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|27 April 2025, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1939 Ariel 350cc Red Hunter
Registration no. HPE 362
Frame no. XG 5568
Engine no. BE 262

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. Revived after WW2, the Red Hunters were continuously developed - gaining a telescopic front fork, swinging-arm rear suspension, an alloy cylinder head, and full-width alloy hubs in the process - until production of Ariel four-strokes ceased in 1959.

Little is known about this Red Hunters previous history but we're advised by the vendor that his late father last used it over a year ago, and has been dry stored since (the engine turns over) and will need careful recommissioning before returning to the road. Offered with a V5C and a parts list.
Key not required

Footnotes

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 27 April, with the auction starting at 11am GMT.

Saleroom notices

Please note that the engine number listed on HPI is '262'.

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