Description
Ariel 1929 Model “F” 497 cc OHV single frame# H 6183 engine # H5775
The new line of Ariels, introduced at the end of 1925 and designed by engineering genius Val Page, had been an instant success.
Not so much because of its technical innovations, but mostly for its very attractive styling: lower saddle position, shortened wheel base and high saddle tank. Victor Mole was the new man in charge of sales at the Ariel works and he designed the new eye-catching emblem of the Ariel horse and coined the advertising slogan “Ariel, the Modern Motor Cycle”.
Within a few years Ariel sales and profits rocketed. In 1927 sales were ten times as high as the 1925 sales before the introduction of the new line of machines.
The 5 basic models ( A,B,C,D and E) that were produced in 1927 were continued for 1928, but with many improvements.
The most noticeable was the adoption of Brooklands-type fishtail silencers , the use of enclosed valve-operation gear on the ohv machines and redesigned frames on all models.
The models A and B were 557 cc side valves, C was an ohv Standard machine, D was the De Luxe version of the C and E was a Super Sports machine.
The OHV models have bore x stroke dimensions of 81.8x 95 mm. For 1929 the C and D model designations were changed to E and F; the latter machine was the De Luxe version with wider front mudguard, larger saddle, wider tyres, twist grip carburettor control and luggage carrier. There were quite a few new features for the 1929 range, the most noticeable being the dry sump lubrication with separate oil tank and the ribbed crankcase.
New in the range were the 250 cc Models LB and LF.
This powerful vintage ohv machine is complete with electric lighting and pillion seat and has been well preserved: it has never been restored and has a beautiful patina.