1955 Ariel 499cc HS5 Mk1 Scrambler
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. DUS 378
Engine no. LK 421

This 'Mark I' example of one of Ariel's rarest post-war motorcycles was despatched in March 1955 to Johnson Motors Inc of Pasadena, California, USA (see dating certificate on file). In 1969 the machine passed into the ownership of Russell J Erickson of Wolf Point, Montana and in 1990 was imported into the UK by KBH Motorcycles of Trowbridge, Wiltshire. Interestingly, the American paperwork refers to the Ariel as a 'Colt', presumably its model name in that country, which in the UK was only ever applied to one of Ariel's lightweight models. The machine was an 'unfinished project' when purchased by the current owner some years ago. Since acquisition the engine and gearbox have been fully overhauled; the fork stanchions and bushes replaced; and the magneto and carburettor rebuilt. The Ariel has been used twice for quarter-mile sprinting, covering the course in 16 seconds. Presented in beautiful condition, it is said to start easily and perform as well as a BSA Gold Star. The machine is offered with the aforementioned dating letter, sundry restoration invoices, State of Montana Certificate of Title and C&E Form 386. A spare exhaust system is included in the sale.