This Ariel Motorcycles got away, but there are more like it here.

This 1953 Ariel NH 350 Red Hunter reportedly spent time in Southeast Asia before it was brought to California and acquired in 2005 by the seller, who subsequently carried out a refurbishment of the bike that was started in 2010 and completed in 2018. Work involved overhauling the 347cc OHV four-stroke single, refinishing the frame and bodywork in red with gold pinstripes, rebuilding the wheels, brakes, and suspension, and replacing the wiring harness, clutch plates, control cables, drive chain, and rear sprocket. Equipment includes a headlight, a taillight, a sprung solo saddle, a chrome handlebar, a chrome exhaust system, an inverted telescopic fork, wire-spoke wheels, drum brakes, enclosed rear springs, and both rear and side stands. This Red Hunter 350 is now offered with a clean California title in the seller’s name.

1953 Ariel NH 350 Red Hunter

The motorcycle was disassembled during the refurbishment at which time dents were repaired, and the frame and bodywork were stripped and refinished in Amaranth Red with gold pinstripes and Ariel badges accenting the fuel tank. Features include a color-keyed headlight bucket, a taillight, a reproduction sprung solo saddle, a chain guard, knee bolsters, and both side and rear stands.

1953 Ariel NH 350 Red Hunter

The 20″ front and 19″ rims feature red-painted centers and were fitted with replacement spokes and mounted with Avon Speedmaster MkII tires as part of the refurbishment. Further work at that time included overhauling the front and rear drum brakes and rebuilding the inverted telescopic fork and the enclosed rear springs.

1953 Ariel NH 350 Red Hunter

The single-piece chrome handlebar carries chrome switchgear and control levers and fronts a Smiths 85-mph speedometer and a Lucas ammeter mounted into the headlight bucket. The five-digit odometer was reset as part of the refurbishment, and it now shows five miles. True mileage is unknown. The control cables were replaced during the refurbishment.

1953 Ariel NH 350 Red Hunter

The air-cooled 347cc OHV four-stroke single was overhauled as part of the refurbishment with work that included vapor-blasting internal and external parts, rebuilding the magdyno, over-boring the cylinder, and replacing the piston, rings, wrist pin, cylinder head, valves, springs, valve guides, camshaft, crankshaft pin, and wiring harness. The engine breathes through a reproduction Amal carburetor and a re-chromed exhaust system fitted with a replacement muffler.

1953 Ariel NH 350 Red Hunter

Power is sent to the rear wheel through a multi-plate dry clutch, a four-speed transmission shifted on the right, and a drive chain. The clutch plates, drive chain, and rear sprocket were replaced as part of the refurbishment.

The California title lists the number AS2381 as both the VIN and engine number, however there is no number stamped on the engine’s crankcase.

Auction Result

Winning Bid USD $12,500 by Gio1966
Auction Ended October 27, 2023 at 11:35AM PT
Bids 17
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BaT Essentials

Seller: Leverone
Location: Carmel, California 93923
Listing Details
  • Chassis: AS2381
  • 347cc OHV Four-Stroke Single
  • Four-Speed Transmission
  • Amaranth Red Paint w/Gold Pinstripes
  • Headlight & Taillight
  • Sprung Solo Saddle
  • Chrome Handlebar
  • 20" & 19" Wire-Spoke Wheels
  • Drum Brakes
  • Inverted Telescopic fork
  • Rear Hydraulic Dampers
  • Amal Carburetor
  • Chrome Exhaust System
  • Side & Rear Stands
Private Party or Dealer: Private Party
Lot #125412