1938 Ariel VB for sale in The Netherlands

[Vincent.vanGinneke]

-No Connection -

VB
Year of manufacture: 1938
Engine capacity: 598cc
15.5 hp
Complete with all technical specifications
3-speed gearbox
Please bid via Marktplaats; do not ask me what I want for it, bid from 6000,- euro
https://www.marktplaats.nl/v/motoren/mo ... 45826d5acd

I think it's older, more like 1931 or so, oil tank is from..?

[Paul Slootheer]

I think this might be a 1933 Ariel VA-3: Old style frontforks, which changed to taper tubings from 1934> onward.
Simple iron pressed primairy chain case, small 350 style petrol tank, two bearing crank cases etc.
Nice machine, if I’am correct it has a Y prefix frame… but the numbers will tell! Some small issues, but a quite original bike…

[Vincent.vanGinneke]

licence start wih a 'S' , thats somewhere between Nov.'55 and June '57.
The change from county based codes to country based codes was from 1951.
All road going vehicles from before 1951 with those 'old style' codes were changed to this new system, that took several years.
Some artistic freedom; If it says 1938 on the papers it could be because the clerc on duty thought; Nah, prewar bike, lets say it's from 1938.....

[Paul Slootheer]

I’am quite sure this is a 1933, 557cc VA-3 because it bears all the ‘signs’ from that vintage. Even the flat d shaped non-ribbed rear mudguard is correct for this model. On it’s own the oil tank is correct (350 style) apart from the filler neck which I’ve seen never before. I once owned a 1933 VA-3 machine… and also on this machine the bakelite side knob on the forks, the same as on my former VA. But again numbers can tell when one want to be sure.

[Roger Gwynn]

I am sure that Paul is correct, extra indications are transfers instead of badges, rigid handlebar mount, not rubber. I think someone has grafted the filler neck from a Norton or BSA onto the Ariel tank.

[Paul Slootheer]

I can remember it was hard to find parts for this VA-3 gearbox which was a T/P type(?) in the end I fitted a ordinary CP box. Lucky enough 1933 was the first year Ariel started with the ‘common’ frame (apart from the headstock bearings…) so al gearboxes would fit in. I allways regretted I sold this machine because it was my first Ariel…

[Roger Gwynn]

Yes a type T, I have one but never been inside it, looks a bit 'light'

[Paul Slootheer]

It looks it’s allready sold, thats a quick one!!