HIGHLIGHTS

Fully restored example
Beautifully presented
Ridden just a few hundred miles since the completion

THE APPEAL

The Ariel Hunter has been around since the 1930s, with various engines fitted over the years and constant improvements made; the last model produced was in 1954, the NH version. There was also this model, which is the NG model and less common than the NH. These were modified for the military dispatch rider and featured a trials frame to give additional ground clearance and would have been fitted with side panniers and a toolbox.

This lovely example has been fully restored by the National Motorcycle Museum and finished to a superb standard before being raffled off in the 2020 Covid-19 Appeal, where it was the second prize on offer. Our vendor was the lucky winner of the stunning 1948 Ariel NG, and after a couple of years of ownership and riding it for just a few hundred miles, he has decided to part with the British classic.

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THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

The Ariel was won by the vendor in 2020 as a 2nd prize from the National Motorcycle Museum Covid-19 Appeal Raffle
Unfortunately, there is no paperwork with the bike other than the letter confirming the vendor won the bike
V5 is present
Declared manufactured in 1948
Registered with the DVLA in 1980
Five previous UK Keepers
Restored by National Motorcycle Museum Chief Restorer, Colin Wall

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THE CONDITION

Presents extremely well
Finished in gloss black with a chrome fuel tank
The paintwork is in excellent condition
There are two small chips on the cover next to the kickstart, which was caused when starting the bike
No dings or dents were spotted on the tank, mudguards or side panels
Original features
The grips are in excellent condition
The switchgear is said to be working correctly
Instruments and gauges operate as they should
The odometer has a reading of 15,699 miles
Headlight is in good order, with no cracks in the lens
Handlebars have no tarnishing
Levers and controls are in excellent condition
The seat is in good condition, with no damage to the vinyl
The 19” chrome wheels are in excellent condition and finished with a black, gold and chrome colour scheme to match the fuel tank
Period Avon tyres are fitted, which have a good amount of tread remaining

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THE MECHANICS

346cc single-cylinder engine
Four-speed gearbox
Chrome exhaust is excellent, with no tarnishing
The semi-double cradle frame looks in superb condition
There is a cover missing for the points in the photographs, which has now been fitted
The oil gauge is not connected to the engine
No oil leaks spotted
The bike kicks up nicely and idles smoothly
No issues have been reported with the running of the bike on the road
The bike handles nicely
Drum brakes bring the Ariel to a stop in a safe manner

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SUMMARY

What an excellent way to step into Ariel ownership; being fully restored by the National Motorcycle Museum speaks volumes, and the quality of the bike is excellent.

Often highly regarded as one of the best British single-cylinder motorcycles of its time, this 1948 example is ready to jump onto and be enjoyed.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

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