LOT 65

1954 Ariel 346cc Red Hunter Registration no. To be advised Frame no. DU1112 Engine no. LB573

Sold for £2,530 inc. premium

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Lot 65

1954 Ariel 346cc Red Hunter

Motorcycles Online - The Spring Sale|23 February 2026, 13:04 GMT|Online, Milton Keynes

1954 Ariel 346cc Red Hunter
Registration no. To be advised
Frame no. DU1112
Engine no. LB573

By 1930, Ariel's Val Page-designed singles had gained a rear-mounted magneto and their distinctive timing cover, and the basic engine design, though frequently revised, would last well into the post-war era. The sports versions were christened 'Red Hunter' and under Page's successor Edward Turner developed into fast and stylish machines. In 1946 the Hunters became the first models to feature Ariel's new telescopic front fork, and the following year could be ordered with the optional 'Anstey Link' plunger rear suspension. A new duplex loop frame with swinging-arm rear suspension was adopted for 1954 and the 500cc VH gained an alloy 'head at the same time (a feature the 350cc NH would not enjoy until the 1956 range was announced). In 1956 full-width alloy hubs were adopted across the range, and the Red Hunters continued in this form until production of Ariel four-strokes ceased in 1959.

First registered on 9th October 1954, this 350 Red Hunter was acquired by the previous owner, a prominent Kent collector, in September 1990 and used on VMCC and Kent runs as his main motorcycle. Purchased by the private vendor in 2011, it has been kept as part of a private collection since acquisition. Last serviced by Pete's Bikes in 2022, the Ariel was then ridden by motorcycling journalist Richard Rosenthal, who said it ran beautifully and was very quiet. The machine has not been used since; recommissioning and the customary safety checks will be required before it returns to the road. Accompanying paperwork consists of Draganfly Motorcycles Spares Lists; sundry bills; expired MoT certificates; and an old V5 registration document. Please note that the vendor is retaining the current vehicle registration number. The new vehicle registration number is to be confirmed and the machine will be offered with a V5C.
Key not required

Footnotes

BUYER'S PREMIUM
The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 15%+VAT on the first £500k of the Hammer Price, and 12%+VAT on the balance thereafter.

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS
Please see the 'CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS' at the top of the main sale page (Motorcycles Online - The Spring Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation.

REQUEST A TRANSPORT QUOTE
To request a UK or European Motorcycle shipping quote visit Moving Motorcycles.
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To request a Memorabilia and Spares shipping quote visit Mail Boxes Etc - Milton Keynes.

Saleroom notices

Please note that this motorcycle is scheduled for inspection by the DVLA on 23 February. Following inspection, the DVLA will allocate/confirm the new UK Vehicle Registration Number (VRN). The DVLA typically requires up to four weeks to process and issue a registration number. Accordingly, the new VRN will not be available at the time of sale and will be confirmed to the purchaser once issued by the DVLA. Once the new Vehicle Registration Number is issued by the DVLA, this Lot will be available for collection. Storage charges until such time will be waived by Bonhams. The purchaser should therefore allow for this administrative timescale following completion of the auction.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact client services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
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18 February 2026, 09:00 - 17:00 GMT

£2,000 - £2,500

1954 Ariel 346cc Red Hunter

1954 Ariel 346cc Red HunterRegistration no. To be advisedFrame no. DU1112Engine no. LB573

Footnotes

Saleroom notices

Additional information

Auction information

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1954 Ariel 346cc Red Hunter
Registration no. To be advised
Frame no. DU1112
Engine no. LB573