Lot 001: 1952 ARIEL SQUARE FOUR COMBINATION

When "The Motor Cycle" tested an example of the Ariel Square Four Mark II in April 1953 they found that the machine was capable of just shy of 100 mph describing it as being "a unique high-performance mount with gentle manners and outstanding acceleration" resulting from twenty years of development. The Square Four had been conceived by Edward Turner during his time at Selly Oak and was introduced as a 500cc, soon to be increased to 600cc over head cam design in 1931. However the early engine suffered from a weak and insufficiently cooled cylinder head prone to blowing its head gasket. Edward Turner consequently developed a new 997cc over head valve engine retaining the name and layout, but little else for the 1936 season. The new engine, typed the 4G provided the basis for all Square Four production until 1948 when it was joined by the Mark II "alloy engine", which featured an alloy barrel and head in place of the iron units previously employed. Equipped with telescopic forks and "Anstey" link rear suspension, the Square Four provided the discerning rider with a luxurious mount capable of covering long distances at high speed in comfort in either solo form, or as with this example, attached to a sidecar, surpassed only by the twins emanating from Stevenage. This fine example, fitted with a Watsonian sidecar, was restored during the 1990's to, according to the vendor, a very high standard. The engine, transmission and electrics are described as being in excellent condition and the paintwork, cycle parts and brightwork as very good. The 'Squariel' comes with lots of old motorbike literature, MOT certificates for the past ten years, invoices dating back to 1990 and is currently MOT'd with an accompanying certificate valid until April 2009. The vendor informs us that the Ariel rides perfectly.