What Ariel is this?

[AndySegs]

Hello and thanks for the add to the forum.
Following a visit to the British War Memorial in Normandy I remember seeing a photo of my father on a motorcycle and had the idea to recreate the photo with my grandson.
So I need your experience and expertise to find out which model it actually is.
From his age I would say it just pre war or at the very beginning of it, I can also remember him saying he done despatch riding in the territorial army/early war.
Most WD Ariels I've seen have been pushrod but this is side valve so possibly the old 600?
Any help would be gratefully received, once identified has anyone got one for sale?

[paul.jameson]

The bike is indeed a VB600, probably a 1938 model but it has seen some use and abuse. The right footrest is bent and the star spring washer which "regulates" the fork damping is missing, along with the wingnut used for the adjustment. The bike has previously been used with a sidecar (as most VBs were).
Motorcycle dealers across the country were scoured for useable bikes after the Dunkirk evacuation so it seems likely that this bike may have been pressed into military service at that time.
These bikes do come up for sale from time to time so it is just a matter of looking out for one.

[AndySegs]

Thanks Paul.
I'll keep a look out. Is there a "for sale" page?

[Roger Gwynn]

Yes and club magazine and Car and Classic