ARIEL 1952 Model VH Red Hunter 1 cyl 497cc OHV 3508

Description ARIEL 1952 Model VH “Red Hunter” 497cc OHV single frame # SD2120 engine # TC1985 The basics of the “Red Hunter“ design can be traced back to Val Page, but the name first came into use in the 1932 programme that had been designed by Edward Turner. The new sporty OHV models in 250, 350 and 500cc capacities were very good-looking, reliable and sturdy. They became great performers in off-road competition work as well as for fast touring and were further developed and produced till 1960, when Ariel management decided to concentrate on two strokes and phase out four stroke production. The 1952 range consisted of 7 models, of which four were Red Hunter singles in 346 cc and 497 cc capacities. They had new oil tanks that did not obstruct the fitting of a sidecar on the right hand side of the machine by foreign riders. Other small changes to give the machines better looks were rounded corners on the oil tank and a different shape of the rear of the petrol tank. At extra cost a spring frame could be ordered. The 81.8 x 95 mm bore x stroke 497 cc Red Hunters had gathered an excellent reputation and they were popular both a sports machines and as sidecar pullers. In a test in The Motor Cycle of July 26, 1951 the Red Hunter is praised for its ease of starting, low speed torque, easy gear change, excellent clutch, comfortable riding position and flexible engine. Not surprising according to the tester: the design was straightforward and robust and had been finetuned year by year. The engine develops around 25 hp and the top speed is more than 130 km/h , but, according to the aforementioned tester, the engine feels very happy at a speed of around 80 km/h. This VH is a very practical and reliable everyday touring machine and comes with the plunger rear springing that was available as an extra, amp gauge in headlamp, 140 km Smiths speedo and practical prop stand. She is a road-registered older restoration with obviously some traces of use but clearly showing the quality to which these Ariels were built. The former owner rebuilt and restored it a number of years ago and he informs us the Red Hunter is a pleasant machine to ride. Video:https://youtu.be/qp0LLZ3dDzg N.B.: additional photos will be sent upon request