c.1950 Ariel 598cc VB
Registration no. MAR 715
Frame no. WA 1396
Engine no. RB 1276

By 1930 Ariel's new single-cylinder range, designed by the great Val Page, had gained a rear-mounted magneto and its distinctive timing cover, and the basic engine design - though frequently revised - would last well into the post-war era. Both overhead-valve and sidevalve versions were made, though there was only one of the latter in Ariel's post-war line-up: the 600cc VB, a long-stroke workhorse. First introduced for 1936 and intended for sidecar use, the VB was regularly updated along with the rest of the Ariel singles, gaining plunger rear suspension, a telescopic front fork and, finally, a swinging-arm frame as the 1950s progressed. Production ceased in January 1959 when parent company BSA decided to axe Ariel's four-stroke models.

This particular Ariel VB has frame and engine number prefixes correct for the 1950 model year, which suggests that the pairing may well be original. We are advised by the vendor that the machine was extensively restored over a period of time (commencing in approximately 2012) by a retired engineer, with either new or refurbished parts fitted as required. There are no documents with this Lot.