Lucas did well when they still made acetylene lightning so a motorcycle on acetylene gas might do the trick for them.

On this moment they have the development done by the famous inventors Guust Flater and Gomer Goof.

It's a 1952 engine, the metalwork is very nice, made by a skilled man but if you want an Indian than buy one.

If it only had electricstart https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1954-Ariel-V ... SwuxZed7F0

A 1954 frame dusn't have the steeringlockplate welded to the headstock, a 1955 frame has that plate and an extra chainguardsupport at the end of the rearforks .

The man is selling the scrap he has collected over the years.

john.whiting wrote:Engine prefix is 1948,frame prefix is 1949......so I believe my earlier comment is correct.The big Ariel years in Oz were 48-53.,and an original Oz delivery single outside those years is uncommon.

Very good local history, that is making the Ariel a better bike.

john.whiting wrote:Id be thinking its more likely a post war bike

I'll explain, the snailcam adjusters of the rearwheel are 1939.

That looks like a nice 1939 VH, with 1949 front end, the speedo will cost you the first 1000+ pounds and the good front end an other 2000+.
I would keep (ride) it as is becouse your grandfathers soul is in there.

And a nice Wolseley (6 cilinder?) car.

I have to say something about it, it's heavier than you think, if you're getting it your lungs could be damaged for life .

So get that basketcase Ariel in to the workshop and close the door .

I wouldn't buy it, 1951-53 crankcase with restamp numbers the halves are not matching, one rockerbox is late 50ies and i think the threads in the crankcase and head are gone.