Highlights

A immaculate-looking Square Four MKII from the final year of production
This “four-pipe” has been thoroughly restored and is ready to ride
A good level of supporting paperwork is included, detailing extensive work carried out

The Appeal

The original Square Four dates all the way back to 1930. It takes its name from the innovative Monoblock engine designed by motorcycle entrepreneur Edward Turner. The first model debuted at the 1930 Olympia Motorcycle Show in 500cc form, with a hand-change four-speed gearbox. The MKII, as seen here, was introduced in 1953 and featured a 997cc four-cylinder engine with separate barrels and exhausts. This set-up gave the MKII a top speed of 100mph.

This example has clearly been very diligently and professionally restored and refurbished, resulting in the immaculate example offered here today. In the current ownership since 2017, it is surely one of the best 1950s British motorcycles currently available.

The History and Paperwork

The accompanying factory record copy provides useful background on this Ariel
The motorcycle was dispatched from the Bournbrook factory on 6 May 1958
It made its way to dealer JR Alexander of Glasgow
By the mid-1970s the Ariel had made its way to Kent
The current owner acquired the Square Four in 2017
Since then, a diligent program of works has been undertaken
A good level of provenance paperwork is included
This includes the current V5 registered in the owner's name
An earlier registration document from the 1970s is also on hand
The Ariel is registered as a historic vehicle based on its age
As such, it is MOT and VED exempt in the UK
Other paperwork includes copies of the Ariel factory record
A log of work carried out during the current ownership is on hand
Numerous invoice copies are included, documenting parts and services purchased

The Interior

The shaped dual seat is finished in immaculate black vinyl
It is edged with a generous pad and accommodates a pillion when required
A tubular, black-painted grab handle runs to the rear of the seat
Fold-down, rubber-clad footrests are provided for the pillion
The rider also benefits from generous rubber-finished footrests
The rider's footrests are embossed with the Ariel name
The rear brake pedal and gear pedal are rubber-tipped
The upright handlebars are bright chrome and swept upwards
A Bakelite steering damper knob is mounted at the centre
The rubber grips bear the Ariel crest
The alloy control levers have ball ends
A triangular painted panel is fitted ahead of the rider
A chronometric white-on-black Smiths speedometer is fitted
A small Lucas ammeter is also fitted, along with a rotary Bakelite switch
A pair of modern handlebar mirrors are fitted

The Exterior

This Square Four looks superb in gleaming black and matching chrome
The big petrol tank is finished in black paint with chrome panels
A pair of Ariel roundels are mounted to the tank sides
A pair of crested rubber knee pads are also fitted
The headlamp shroud, mudguards and side panels are finished in lustrous black paintwork
The tubular frame is also finished in gloss black
The condition of all paintwork and bodywork appears to be excellent
The front mudguard carries black and silver embossed number plates on its sides
The cross-spoked wheels feature chrome-plated CWC steel rims
Big, polished alloy brake drums sit at the centre of the wheels
Both front and rear tyres appear barely used, with plenty of tread remaining
A side stand and front and rear tubular wheel stands are fitted

The Mechanics

This MKII was fitted with the 997cc four-cylinder engine
It features separate barrels and a redesigned cylinder head
Separate exhaust pipes emerge from cast aluminium manifolds
These merge into twin low, long chrome tailpipes
In original trim this engine was good for 40bhp
The Square Four weighed only around 200 kg, so 100mph was readily achievable
A four-speed, foot-operated gearbox is fitted
The engine's alloys are well presented and in fine condition
Chrome side panels are fitted with embossed and red-painted script
A huge amount of mechanical restoration has been carried out during the current ownership
The accompanying log details 34 lines of work carried out and parts replaced
Highlights include new valves, guides and pistons
New liners, conrods, and big and small ends
New 12-volt alternator, distributor and electronic ignition
As a result of this and other work, the motorcycle is thought to be in excellent order
No known mechanical faults or issues have been reported

Summary

The MKII Square Four was a fitting last hurrah for four-stroke, four-cylinder Ariels, as production ended in 1958 to make way for a range of twin-cylinder two-stroke buzz boxes. The Square Four may have had its origins well before World War II, but that was part of its charm and appeal. A real throwback to simpler, gentler times that was sorely missed once production ended.

This motorcycle looks to be a fine example of the breed, too. It appears to be in pristine condition throughout and represents a fine ownership opportunity for enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Every aspect of this motorcycle appears to have received diligent and thorough attention, helping to ensure this is likely as fine an example as you will find of the sublime “squariel.”

Notice to bidders

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