Beschreibung
1955 Ariel 997 cc Square Four Mark 2 Motorbike.
Registration: HDY 539.
Mileage: 78980.
Finished in Deep claret, All alloy engine, Four pipe exhaust, Correctfor hastings 9/ 54 - 6/ 55.
Owners description:
Purchased by the current owner in 2005 from Andy Tiernan. Originally registered February 1955 and apparently only three private owners as Andy had purchased the bike from the son of the original owner. This is consistent with information in the registration document.
As supplied by Ariel to Kings in Hastings, the bike was in sidecar trim and registered as a motorcycle combination. The original colour is not recorded in Ariel records but presumably would have been deep claret as alternative colours were specified when applied to other machines the production run.
The first owner used the combination extensively around the south coast of England and further afield. When purchased by the current owner, an Eastbourne Motorcycle Club badge was fitted. There is still an Isle of Man TT Races 1965 badge on the steering damper.
The last private owner told the current owner that the bike had been extensively rebuilt in 1975. Experience of the current owner suggests that this was done to a very high standard as the engine gearbox have required only routine attention in seventeen years of ownership.
The bike suffered considerable cosmetic damage in an accident in 2018. This has been professionally repaired leaving the bike in excellent rideable condition. It has appeared twice at the Shere Climb giving exhibition runs up the hill. The original rear stand is fitted and an effective side stand has been fitted. Paintwork is good to excellent, the mudguards, fuel and oil tanks looking as new. The seat has been replaced with a new base, foam and the correct coloured cover. It now has solo gearing. It is near original even down to the 6 volt electrical system although there is now an electronic regulator, hidden in the original case. The bike has been completely re-wired using a commercial loom. The SU carburettor was completely rebuilt by Burlen. The lubrication system shows the original 8 pint tank but benefits from a Morgo oil pump and hidden external oil filter. There is also a magnetic sump plug. Brand new tyres are fitted. All cables, chains and rubbers have been replaced. The levers are ball end type (owner preference) but the originals are available.
This model year is known to have a design issue with the rear brake. This has now been professionally corrected; purists will note that the rear brake lever arm now points upwards leaving the brake effective whist avoiding the risk of unexpected locking.
Full documentation of the current ownership is available.
Ownership of a four pipe Square Four was a childhood ambition, now realised. The owner feels that after seventeen years it is time to move on to other projects.
To satisfy your knowledge of the vehicles condition please come down to our viewing days as follows:
Saturday 3rd of December: 10am-2pm
Monday 5th of December : 9am-5pm
Tuesday 6th of December : 9am
- Our buyers premium on all cars, motorbikes and scooters is 10% + VAT
- We encourage any interested parties to inspect the vehicle on our viewing days and prior to sale on Tuesday 6th of December 2022 to satisfy themselves on the car's condition, please check our buying terms and conditions for cars and bikes available online or via email
- Transportation options may be available, please contact us for a quote
- Please call the details below to speak to one of our auction specialists for further information.
