1959 Ariel Red Hunter, 350 cc. Registration number 839 DPT 9...

Hammer

£2,600

1959 Ariel Red Hunter, 350 cc. Registration number 839 DPT 9non transferrable). Frame number CAPR 14160 (see text). Engine number CAMA 5549.
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.
Dating from the final year of production, this 350 Red Hunter was restored some eight years ago by Frank Atkinson of Pickering to a high standard with the intension of pulling a sidecar. This never happened and he sold it to our vendor in 2013, he rode it around his yard and put it into storage due to house renovations. He now has a bad hip and cannot ride it.
Sold with the V5C, it will require recommissioning and probably running in as the odometer has been reset to 3 miles.