Highlights

Technically fascinating ‘gentleman’s motorbike’ in great condition
Original UK market bike first registered in 1947
Comprehensive history with regular servicing and maintenance
Dating Certificate and "Green" registration document
Refurbished fuel tank by Lewis Templeton in 2021

The Appeal

Trust Edward Turner to do things differently. When he conceived Ariel’s ‘Square Four’ he found a novel approach to solving the switch to a ‘four.’ He placed two parallel twins in tandem - one behind the other - with the two crankshafts geared together. Early bikes were chain drive OHC, while later ones like this featured pushrods.

The 997cc engine fitted to this later example first arrived in 1937 and featured an alloy head and cylinders. The polished fins and four exhaust headers lent these final examples their distinctive aesthetics. The ‘Square Four’ was aimed at ‘gentleman riders’ and was noted for its comfort - helped by a sprung saddle - and good handling.

All of which makes rare survivors like this beautiful example very appealing for collectors. This one was first registered in January 1947 in Wolverhampton. It subsequently spent some time in Ireland before returning here in 1997. It was restored in the late 1990s and still looks utterly resplendent, the extensive chromework, polished tank and lovely Ariel-embossed features adding extra detail touches to delight the eye.

The vendor says:

“Handles remarkably well for a 78 year old bike and the sprung seats make a comfortable ride even on our rough roads.

“I have done lots of work on the bike over the years I've owned it keeping it in top condition.”

The History and Paperwork

First registered January 1947 according to vendor
Dating Certificate shows first registered in Wolverhampton
"Green" registration document shows date of first registration as 16th January 1947
Later spent time in Ireland according to vendor
Re-registered in UK 1997
Previously red/black which was changed to black in February 1999
Three registered keepers since 1997
Current keeper since May 2019
Good history file of maintenance as shown
Regularly serviced by seller
Lots of other paperwork available for the bike according to seller
Battery conditioner included
Always garaged by current keeper
V5C in current keeper’s name
Factory handbooks as shown
Few miles covered since last advisory-free MOT in 2012

The Condition

Handsome bike in very well kept order
Very good condition following older restoration with light patina of use
Polished chrome tank with black paintwork and gold pinstriping all well kept
Extensive chromework presents well with bright finish and no obvious tarnish
Retains Ariel factory fittings including Smiths dials, branded grips, branded headlamp shroud and other features
Beautifully detailed bike including dials on tank
Spoked wheels in good order with tubed vintage tyres fitted
Twin leather seats with front seat sprung for comfort even on rough roads
Supplied with rear saddle bag as shown
We are told that all the instruments work correctly

The Mechanics

997cc Turner-designed ‘four’ delivering 45bhp
4spd Burman manual gearbox
Solex carburettor
6V battery with conditioner included in sale
Fuel tank refurbished by specialist Lewis Templeton in 2021
Regularly maintained and service during its life
Engine starts easily according to seller
Vendor reports that it handles well for a 78-year-old bike
No reported running or riding issues

BEFORE YOU BUY

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