Post Listing Update: This HS500 did not meet reserve despite 17 bids up to $7,166.66 on eBay in Huntington Beach, California.
A 500cc scrambler, the Ariel HS was a competition version of the Red Hunter. Approximately 1,000 HS’s (which stood for Hunter Scrambler) were built between ’54 and ’58, and they were intended to compete against BSA Catalina Scramblers out on the track.
The HS came with different cams, stronger valve springs, higher compression, and more, all of which came together to put down 34 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. For more information on the HS, check out this retrospective from Rider Magazine.
The seller includes a period ad in which Ariel markets this bike as “proven in competition…super-tuned for the cross-country racing enthusiast, easily convertible to a fine sports type road motorcycle. Specifications include detachable lighting equipment, full width alloy hubs with centrally positioned brakes, dual seat, superb red, black, and chrome finish. High performance engine has alloy cylinder barrel, high compression head and piston, and polished internals…a powerhouse on wheels!”
This example (VIN: PRS164) has been with the seller for “many years” – he has used it for shows and some riding on private property. It’s offered with a clean California title and a factory Dating Certificate. It was restored at an unspecified date, at which point the mileage was reset to zero. It has covered seven miles since. The seller notes “five very minor items”, and they are indeed relatively small – header bluing, small rust spot on the front rim, couple of nicks, and a weak horn.
Find this HS500 for sale in Huntington Beach, California with bidding up to $4,607 and the reserve not yet met here on eBay.