Description
Ariel 1932 “ MF 32” 350 cc OHV frame# 1248 engine# B 8647
This machine has the cylinder inclined forward at 45 degrees to the vertical.
The sloping engine was a popular design feature around 1930, with the famous BSA “ sloper” as leading model.
The craze lasted about half a dozen years: by the mid thirties there were hardly any sloping models left; Panthers being a notable exception of course. The 250 cc OHV Colt model of 1930 had been a good seller, but there was some demand for a similar machine with slightly better overall performance.
So in March 1931 the factory introduced a 346 cc OHV version of the Colt, with 72 mm bore and 85 mm stroke.
The model has a two port head and was priced at a modest £ 42. Magdyno lighting was an optional extra.
Gearbox is 3 speed Burman, dry sump lubrication by twin plunger pump.
Primary chain is enclosed in a cast-aluminium oil bath. Some of the new features for 1932 were a redesigned inlet port ( giving improved performance), bigger diameter and wider brakes and a black enamelled pressed-steel cover for the gearbox.
This light and agile Ariel has pleasing lines and is a well-restored motorcycle.