Description
Ariel 1935 499 cc OHV model VH “Red Hunter” frame # Y 11001 engine # KA 2615
The basics of the “Red Hunter “ can be traced back to a Val Page design, 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 produced till 1960, when Ariel management decided to concentrate on two strokes and phase out four stroke production.
The VH was available in single port and two port versions and there was a choice between upswept and low level pipes.
The catalogue describes the engine as “Specially bench-tested and capable of being tuned to speeds exceeding 100 m.p.h. Totally enclosed valve springs.
Valve guides automatically lubricated. Ground and highly polished ports. 14 mm sparking plug. Extremely rigid crankcase designed for maximum speeds and efficiency.
Polished high tensile steel flywheels. Large diameter mainshafts mounted on two heavy duty roller bearings and one ball bearing.
Extra large double roller bearing big-end with duralumin cage. Light and rigid nickel-chrome steel con-rod polished all over. Special light pressure piston rings.
A medium compression piston is fitted as standard. A high compression piston, giving a ratio of 7.5 to 1 suitable to 50/50 Petrol/Benzole only, can be fitted to special order without extra charge.”
To this mouth-watering list of specifications can be added a foot-controlled four speed gearbox and ample brakes.
This sportsman’s mount has been restored to a high level some time ago.