Highlights

A pristine looking Square Four MKII from the last year of production
This “four-pipe” has been thoroughly restored and is ready for use
A good level of supporting paperwork is included detailing extensive work done

The Appeal

The original version of the Square Four dates all the way back to 1930. The Square Four takes its name from the innovative Monoblock engine designed by motorcycle impresario Edward Turner. The first model debuted at the 1930 Olympia Motorcycle Show in 500cc form and 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 configuration gave the MKII a 100mph top speed.

This example has clearly been very diligently and professionally restored and refurbished to result in the pristine example offered here today. In the current ownership since 2017 and representing surely one of the best 1950’s British motorcycles currently available.

The History and Paperwork

The accompanying factory record copy provides useful background to this Ariel
The motorcycle was dispatched from the Bournbrook factory on 6th May 1958
It made its way to dealer JR Alexander of Glasgow
By the mid 1970’s it appears 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
There is a good level of provenance providing paperwork included
This includes the current V5 in the name of the owner
An earlier registration document from the 1970’s is also on hand
The Ariel is registered as an 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 manifest of work undertaken in the current ownership is on hand
Numerous invoice copies are included documenting parts and services bought

The Interior

The shaped, dual saddle is finished in immaculate black vinyl
This is edged generously sized and accommodates a pillion when required
A tubular, black painted grab handle runs to the rear of the saddle
Fold down, rubber clad foot pegs are provided for use by the pillion
The rider also benefits from generous foot pegs finished in rubber
The riders’ set are embossed with the Ariel name
The rear brake pedal and brake pedal are rubber ended
The upright bars are brightly chromed and swept upwards
A Bakelite steering damper wheel is mounted at the centre
The rubber grips bear the Ariel crest
The alloy control levers are ball-ended items
A triangular shaped painted panel is fitted ahead of the rider
A chronometric white on black Smiths speedometer is fitted
A small Lucas ammeter is also fitted together with a rotary Bakelite switch
A pair of modern handlebar mirrors are fitted

The Exterior

This Square Four presents beautifully in gleaming black and accompanying chrome
The big petrol tank is finished in both black paint and chromed 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 wears black and silver embossed number plates to its flanks
The cross spoked wheels feature CWC chromed steel rims
Big, polished alloy brake drums sit at the centre of the wheels
Both front and rear tyres appear hardly used with ample tread in evidence
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 boasted separate barrels and a redesigned cylinder head
Separate exhaust pipes emanate from cast aluminium manifolds
These merge into twin low and long chromed tail pipes
In original trim this engine was good for 40bhp
The Square Four only weighed about 200kgs so 100mph was readily attainable
A four speed, foot operated gearbox is fitted
The alloys of the engine are well presented and in fine condition
Chromed side panels are fitted with embossed and red painted script present
A huge amount of mechanical restoration has been carried out in the current ownership
The accompanying manifest details 34 lines of work undertaken, and parts replaced
Highlights include new valves, guides and pistons
New liners, conrods, 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 were 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 line of twin-cylinder two stroke buzz boxes. The Square Four may have had its origins way back before World War II but that was part of its charm and allure. A real hang over from 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 a 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 that this is likely as fine an example as you will find of the sublime “squariel.”

Notice to bidders

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