FOR SALE : 1937 VH

[martkey]

Gents, thanks for the thoughts and comments, I think I will give it a miss.

[paul.jameson]

Martkey - don't even think of giving it a miss. This is a very good machine at a fair price. The fact that Ray Tolman and I are bickering over some items should be ignored. We are probably the worlds two worst perfectionists on 1937 machines. And that means that while the two of use argue, the rest of the world doesn't see anything other than a beautiful machine.

Follow the advice given previously. Go and see the bike, take the comments from this forum with you and use them to knock the price down a bit.

[Steven.Carter]

Actually it's now a famous bike as it's been discussed that much.

[paul.jameson]

Ray,

I have a NOS front brake spring box which is chromed. I believe firmly that 5656-35 should be chromed, although I don't have an original to prove the point. The front wheel spindle nuts and washers were not chromed.

If I don't have an original, the reference I use most is the 1937 catalogue - but you do have to interpret how things are depicted, and you need to look at various models to try to check out what should be chromed and what should not.

[ray.tolman]

Martkey, Paul is correct. We are Anoraks of the highest degree. Use this to your advantage.
You have all the information you need, and more, to try swing a great price.
Pre-war singles in this condition do not come up often and this is a chance to get what looks to be a very nice one.
Many of the items we identified as incorrect are small.
If you purchase the bike and eventually follow the information listed herein, you will have a quite correct Ariel.
Use due diligence and if all works out, you will be the owner of a very nice Ariel.
Ride it, enjoy it and be proud of it.
Good luck.

[ray.tolman]

Thanks Paul,
I do have an original 1937 catalogue and brochure.

I use Dave Barkshire's 1937 and 1938 photos a lot as both motorcycles are quite accurate.
A wealth of information and exceptional photography.

I have also saved photos of original pre-war Ariels for the last 25 years so have a fairly comprehensive collection.

There seems to be a derth of photos of your 1937 online. I have seen only glimpses in Cheval...
It would be good to see more.

Good to hear about 5656-35, 4055-29, 4059-27 and the front brake box.

I have just noticed something in the parts books for 1937 and 1938. Part 5435-31 is pictured as a knurled knob in 1937 and the same number in 1938 is pictured as a wing nut. Both were introduced in 1931.

Would this mean either the knurled knob or wing nut would be correct? It could also be a printing error.
I only see the wing nut being used on the rear...

Perhaps that is why I have a knurled brass knob that fits the rear brake rod but not the front rod.

Ray

1937.jpg

1938.jpg

[simon.holyfield]

Actually it's now a famous bike as it's been discussed that much.

Probably risen in value as a result. I'd buy it, but I don't think I could convince Mrs H that I deserve another bike yet. She says 'they are only a good investment if you sell one'!

Missing the point, I fear.

[martkey]

Martkey, Paul is correct. We are Anoraks of the highest degree. Use this to your advantage.
You have all the information you need, and more, to try swing a great price.
Pre-war singles in this condition do not come up often and this is a chance to get what looks to be a very nice one.
Many of the items we identified as incorrect are small.
If you purchase the bike and eventually follow the information listed herein, you will have a quite correct Ariel.
Use due diligence and if all works out, you will be the owner of a very nice Ariel.
Ride it, enjoy it and be proud of it.
Good luck.

Ray,
Thanks for the comments and your expert 'eye', however the lack of the (expensive) speedo is a bit concerning and the registration mark also still needs securing (if possible). As you say the majority of the other issues are relatively small. I wonder why the seller does not address these. It's a similar asking price to the motomania one in Hungary.

[ray.tolman]

Hi Martkey,
The Ariel at Motomania appears to be a 1938. Frame XG and Engine CD are correct for 1938.
A 1937 should be engine prefix CC and Frame XF.
There are definite inaccuracies on the Motomania RH but most, at first glance, appears correct. (eg: oil tank is wrong, horn in wrong location)
The 1938 has the enclosed valve gear and may a little easier to maintain than the exposed valve gear of 1937.
It all depends what you want.
Both would have to be checked over very carefully before purchase. Are the numbers correct and as it came from the factory. What repairs were made to the engine/transmission/brakes etc. Has it been run in and all items repaired to have a reliable running bike. This last part is very important.
Please contact me off line if you want to discuss.
Ray

[Vincent.vanGinneke]

Just seen this on Ebay : http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SMITHS-CHRONO ... SwLnlWnkt9
From a car I suppose, but perhaps rebuildable into a motorcycle PA ?