Premium pages left without account:

Auction archive: Lot number 397

1939 Ariel 995cc Model 4G ‘Square Four’ Registration no. FFJ 640 Frame no. P544 Engine no. DE136

Estimate
£0
Price realised:
£16,100
ca. US$23,661
Auction archive: Lot number 397

1939 Ariel 995cc Model 4G ‘Square Four’ Registration no. FFJ 640 Frame no. P544 Engine no. DE136

Estimate
£0
Price realised:
£16,100
ca. US$23,661
Beschreibung:

Designed by the legendary Edward Turner the Ariel Square Four was first shown at Olympia in 1930. Unique at the time of its introduction, the ‘Squariel’, as it was swiftly dubbed, featured a single block of four cylinders and twin geared-together crankshafts with pistons phased at 180 degrees. The crankcase was split horizontally, unusually for a motorcycle engine of the period, while the vertical valves were operated by a single overhead camshaft. A supercharged example was raced at the Isle of Man TT in 1931 without success, which was hardly surprising as its makers had envisaged the model as more of a luxury tourer than an out-and-out sports machine. Although launched as a ‘500’, the Squariel was soon enlarged to 601cc with an eye on the important sidecar market, this bigger version being made available for the 1932 model year. In 1937 a total redesign saw it re-emerge as the Model 4G, with 995cc overhead-valve engine, making the Squariel an even more enticing prospect for sidecarists. Anstey-link plunger rear suspension became an option in 1939 but would not be offered again until 1946 when a telescopic front fork replaced the previous girder type. An exercise in weight shedding saw the cast-iron cylinder head and barrel replaced by alloy components for 1949, the revised model, now capable of 90mph-plus, being known as the Mark I. Introduced in 1953, the ‘four pipe’ MkII with re-designed cylinder head elevated the Square Four into the league of genuine 100mph motorcycles. Square Four production, along with that of all other Ariel four-strokes, ceased in 1959. To date, the innovative Ariel Square Four remains unique in motorcycling history; a true ‘gentleman’s motorcycle, this refined yet characterful machine retains an enthusiastic and loyal following, and is highly prized by discerning enthusiasts. Acquired in June 2005, this pre-war Square Four is offered with Swansea V5C document, copy owner’s manuals, parts list, range brochure and assorted related literature to include Ariel by C M Waller and The Book of the Ariel by Haycraft.

Auction archive: Lot number 397
Auction:
Datum:
26 Apr 2009
Auction house:
Bonhams London
Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground Staffordshire County Showground Weston Road Stafford ST18 0BD Tel: +44 207 447 7447 Fax : +44 207 447 7401 info@bonhams.com
Beschreibung:

Designed by the legendary Edward Turner the Ariel Square Four was first shown at Olympia in 1930. Unique at the time of its introduction, the ‘Squariel’, as it was swiftly dubbed, featured a single block of four cylinders and twin geared-together crankshafts with pistons phased at 180 degrees. The crankcase was split horizontally, unusually for a motorcycle engine of the period, while the vertical valves were operated by a single overhead camshaft. A supercharged example was raced at the Isle of Man TT in 1931 without success, which was hardly surprising as its makers had envisaged the model as more of a luxury tourer than an out-and-out sports machine. Although launched as a ‘500’, the Squariel was soon enlarged to 601cc with an eye on the important sidecar market, this bigger version being made available for the 1932 model year. In 1937 a total redesign saw it re-emerge as the Model 4G, with 995cc overhead-valve engine, making the Squariel an even more enticing prospect for sidecarists. Anstey-link plunger rear suspension became an option in 1939 but would not be offered again until 1946 when a telescopic front fork replaced the previous girder type. An exercise in weight shedding saw the cast-iron cylinder head and barrel replaced by alloy components for 1949, the revised model, now capable of 90mph-plus, being known as the Mark I. Introduced in 1953, the ‘four pipe’ MkII with re-designed cylinder head elevated the Square Four into the league of genuine 100mph motorcycles. Square Four production, along with that of all other Ariel four-strokes, ceased in 1959. To date, the innovative Ariel Square Four remains unique in motorcycling history; a true ‘gentleman’s motorcycle, this refined yet characterful machine retains an enthusiastic and loyal following, and is highly prized by discerning enthusiasts. Acquired in June 2005, this pre-war Square Four is offered with Swansea V5C document, copy owner’s manuals, parts list, range brochure and assorted related literature to include Ariel by C M Waller and The Book of the Ariel by Haycraft.

Auction archive: Lot number 397
Auction:
Datum:
26 Apr 2009
Auction house:
Bonhams London
Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground Staffordshire County Showground Weston Road Stafford ST18 0BD Tel: +44 207 447 7447 Fax : +44 207 447 7401 info@bonhams.com
Try LotSearch

Try LotSearch and its premium features for 7 days - without any costs!

  • Search lots and bid
  • Price database and artist analysis
  • Alerts for your searches
Create an alert now!

Be notified automatically about new items in upcoming auctions.

Create an alert