Circulates throughout the world Established 1903

Bounty Hunter: Ariel Red Hunter

The Vintage Motor Cycle Club (VMCC) raffle started in the early 1980s, when then president Ivan Rhodes decided to instigate a scheme, ostensibly to earn funds for the club coffers, but also to give members the chance to own a desirable vintage or classic machine for the modest price of a raffle ticket. The formula proved an instant success, probably helped by the desirability of that first machine to be raffled, a 1927 Big Port AJS.

Since then there has been plenty of machines – the second one to be raffled was an MOV  Velo, since then all the major British marques have been represented, in many cases several times over (think BSAs, Triumphs and Nortons). The most successful raffle bike in terms of ticket sales has been – by ‘far and away’ according to VMCC chief executive James Hewing – the Vincent Comet offered a couple of seasons ago. Indeed, such was the success of the single cylinder Vin that James dreams of being able to buy a Rapide at the right price, to offer up as a prize...

However, he has secured a raffle bike for later in the year that should prove a big hit – a 1959 BSA DB32 350cc Gold Star, a genuine machine with Manx GP history that was bought from a club member for quite an outlay, at least compared to what some other machines have cost. However, that’s for later (and we’ve been promised it for a test ride so watch this space) while in the meantime, there’s opportunity to win this pretty little Red Hunter.

Obviously it’s not in the same category as the Goldie in terms of cache but as a usable, reliable solid British single, it’s near the top of the class. And because of the way the VMCC operates its raffle, it’ll be all up and ready to go so that the winner (who’ll be notified as soon as possible after the 25 June draw date) will have a machine which is about as suitable as a motorcycle can be for (the majority of) VMCC club run type events.

To ensure the Red Hunter – or any raffle bike – is in tip-top condition it passes through the workshop of local VMCC member and vastly experienced classic ‘fettler’ Brian Slack. Brian’s a man who’s been playing with motorcycles all his life and is possessed of the kind of experience that, quiet simply, money can’t buy. A founder member of the Burton section of the VMCC in 1969, Brain has restored countless machines over the years – BSAs being his preferred marque – and he’s the man who the VMCC entrusts with its ‘prizes’ to make sure they’re fit for purpose.

The Red Hunter, though beautifully cosmetically restored, has suffered a few ‘niggly’ problems – mainly with the clutch and front wheel spindle – of the type which often take ironing out post-restoration but that’s what Brian does, systematically going through the machine to make sure it’s all in fine fettle. Brian has a wealth of experience to draw on too, including a spell in the 1970s when he was a race mechanic for, among others, Charlie Williams, Ron Haslam and Dave Hickman, all British championship level runners and all riders. The Ariel is the eighth machine to have passed through Brian’s capable hands and well-equipped workshop. Indeed, there’s plenty of examples in Brian’s workshops of his craft, from his well sorted Gold Star – “It’s a 350ccc bottom end with a 500cc barrel, with scrambles head, it spins up a bit more” – to a couple of pre-unit twins, his Sloper and a lovely Bushman Bantam, which is all original and unrestored.

Rest assured, if you’re lucky enough to win the Ariel, it’ll be well and truly sorted out and will provide plenty of miles of enjoyment. But, as they say with the national lottery, you’ve ‘Got to be in it to win it’ so you’ll need to buy some tickets. Contact the VMCC 01283 495100 or www.vmcc.net

Words by James Robinson
Photography by Nigel C