Ariel 1929 Model E 499cc 1 cyl 3508

Ariel 1929 Model E “ Two Port Standard” 499cc OHV single frame # H5807 engine # H4032

The new line of Ariels, introduced at the end of 1925 and designed by engineering genius Val Page, had been an instant success. Not so much because of its technical innovations, but mostly for its very attractive styling: lower saddle position, shortened wheel base and high saddle tank. Victor Mole was the new man in charge of sales at the Ariel works and he designed the new eye-catching emblem of the Ariel horse and coined the advertising slogan “Ariel, the Modern Motor Cycle”. Within a few years Ariel sales and profits rocketed. In 1927 sales were ten times as high as the 1925 sales before the introduction of the new line of machines. The 5 basic models ( A,B,C,D and E) that were produced in 1927 were continued for 1928, but with many improvements. The most noticeable was the adoption of Brooklands-type fishtail silencers, the use of enclosed valve-operation gear on the ohv machines and redesigned frames on all models. The models A and B were 557cc side valves, C was an ohv Standard machine, D was the De Luxe version of the C and E was a Super Sports machine, fitted with Amac Sports carburettor with twist grip control and adjustable footrests.
The 1929 model year saw quite a few changes: two 248cc models were introduced, and the frame for the 557 and 499 cc models got a mounting loop in the front down tube for the dynamo. A centre stand was fitted, but that proved to be fragile and was deleted for 1930. An important improvement on the 1929 models was the introduction of a re-circulating oil system. The engine was now fitted with ribs on the lower crank case to aid cooling and give additional strength. The Model D was deleted, the two 499 cc models were now the Two Port Standard E and the Two Port De Luxe F; the F had wider mudguards and different tyre size, to name a few differences.
The E we present here is a well-kept older restoration, easy starter and good runner.

Video: https://youtu.be/Z8zMlJguxno