Ariel 1939 VG De Luxe 497 cc OHV single frame# XG 5708 engine # CE 553

For the 1936 season the Standard versions of Ariel's Val Page-designed singles were dropped and new overhead-valve De Luxe models introduced: the 250cc LG, 350cc NG and 500cc VG.
These models were complementing the sporting Red Hunters.
The new models all had the same general machine specifications, including the newly-designed aluminium primary chain housing with removable clutch cover.
Two-port heads were standard. For 1938 a number of detailed improvements were made.
To name a few: the gearbox had been cleaned up and domed nuts now secured the cover.
To prevent the ingress of dirt, a moulded rubber sheath now enclosed the clutch operating lever and the overall appearance of the machines was enhanced by a chromium plated, rather than an enamelled, instrument panel.
More important however was the fact that the valve gear and cylinder heads of both the De Luxe and Red Hunter Models had been completely redesigned.
Two separate aluminum-alloy rocker boxes were now used instead of the one piece box used hitherto.
The rocker spindles were drilled and positively lubricated by a branched external oil pipe feed coming directly to the oil pump.
Bore x stroke of the engine is 81.8x 95 mm, compression ratio is 6:1.
The oil tank holds three litres, the petrol tank 14.5.
The green tank finish could be ordered as an extra.
The luxurious passenger seat is a practical accessory on this fine touring machine.