LOT 441

1949 Ariel 998cc Square Four Mark I Registration no. YXS 840 Frame no. GS528 Engine no. JJ303

Sold for £14,950 inc. premium

Lot 441

1949 Ariel 998cc Square Four Mark I
Registration no. YXS 840 Frame no. GS528 Engine no. JJ303

The Autumn Stafford Sale: The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|20 October 2019, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1949 Ariel 998cc Square Four Mark I
Registration no. YXS 840
Frame no. GS528
Engine no. JJ303

Last run in July 2019, this beautiful Square Four MkI is offered fresh from a complete restoration. All cycle parts have been sand-blasted, etch-primed and refinished in two-pack paint. The engine has been overhauled with new main, big-end and small-end bearings, and has been re-bored and fitted with new pistons. Other engine components renewed include the camshaft and bearings, cam followers, pushrods, rocker spindles, valves/guides/springs, oil pump, timing chain, and all three sprockets. The valve seats have been re-cut and the cylinder barrel and cylinder head refaced.

Draganfly Motorcycles completely rebuilt the gearbox, while the carburettor was renovated by Carburettor Hospital. Distributor Doctor overhauled the distributor, replacing many parts, while the wiring loom, battery, and headlamp were replaced and the dynamo fitted with new bearings. A modern electronic voltage regulator/cut-out has been fitted in place of the unreliable original, and the speedometer stripped and refurbished.

The wheels have been rebuilt with new rims, spokes, and bearings, and are shod with new tyres. New brake shoes and linings have been fitted throughout and a complete new front brake plate fitted. The exhaust system has new pipes, silencers, and clips. Other new parts include the handlebars, control levers and cables, and the saddle. We are advised that there are bills for everything except the paintwork and blasting. The machine is offered with a VMCC dating certificate and V5C document.

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
For Motorcycles (Lots 201-451) the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter, VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Buyer's Premium for Memorabilia and Spares (Lots 1-150) will adhere to Bonhams group policy, the Buyer's Premium is 27.5% on the first £2,500 of the hammer price; 25% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £2,500 up to and including £300,000; 20% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £300,000 up to and including £3,000,000 and 13.9% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £3,000,000. This applies to each lot purchased and is subject to VAT. Some lots may be subject to VAT on the hammer price. These lots will be clearly marked with a dagger (†) printed beside the lot number in the catalogue.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Collection Notices
Collectors' Motorcycles Clearance
Motorcycle lots must be collected from the saleroom by 7pm Sunday 20 October. Limited collection is available until 11am Monday 21 October, by appointment only. Purchasers must advise Bonhams Motorcycle Department via email no later than 7pm Sunday 20 October.
Please email [email protected] with your collection or transport instructions as soon as possible following your successful bid. Failure to instruct Bonhams by the given time will result in your vehicle being uplifted to store at your expense. Buyers should satisfy themselves that they have collected all relevant log books, documents and keys relating to their Lot(s) at time of collection.
Removal and Storage of Vehicles
All Lots not removed in accordance with the above will be transported by Straight Eight Logistics to their storage facility. Please contact Straight Eight Logistics to make arrangements for the collection/ delivery of your lot:
Straight Eight Logistics
Unit 15 Lymington Enterprise Centre
Ampress Park
Lymington,
SO41 8LZ
+44 (0) 20 3540 4929
[email protected]
www.straighteightlogistics.com
Purchases can only be released once full settlement (inclusive of all charges) of all invoices issued to the buyer is received in cleared funds. Lots will be available for collection from store from 12 noon Wednesday 1 May, by appointment with Straight Eight Logistics.
Vehicle Removal charges to store in Chobham
£115 + VAT per motorcycle
£165 + VAT per motorcycle combination
Storage charges
£10.00 + VAT per day per motorcycle
£16.00 + VAT per day per motorcycle combination
Limited transport is available to Oxfordshire by request with Straight Eight Logistics
£100 + VAT per motorcycle
£145 + VAT per motorcycle combination
Storage charges
£10.00 + VAT per day per motorcycle
£16.00 + VAT per day per motorcycle combination
Transport and Shipping
A representative of Straight Eight Logistics, will be at the Sale and can arrange national and international transportation as agent for the Buyer or the Seller (as the case may be).
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
Storage Notices
Motorcycle Spares and Memorabilia Clearance
All purchased lots must be cleared from the sale venue by 7pm Sunday 20 October 2019.
To arrange collection please contact the Motorcycle Department +44 (0) 20 8963 2817 or [email protected] to make an appointment.
All lots will be charged a minimum of £12+VAT uplift and storage at £1+VAT per day per lot.
All lots marked with a ◊ will be charged £30+VAT uplift and storage at £6+VAT per day per lot.
All lots marked with a ◊◊ will be charged £60+VAT uplift and storage at £12+VAT per day per lot.
All lots marked with a ◊◊◊ will require specific shipping and storage arrangements, as they are either extremely large or heavy objects.
Please contact the Motorcycle Department for detailed information in advance of bidding. Failure to contact the department may result in your purchased lot(s) being uplifted to an offsite store at your expense. Shipping Enquiries: For all motorcycle spares & memorabilia shipping enquiries please contact Alban Shipping quoting your client, sale & lot number to discuss your shipping requirements Tel: +44 (0) 1582 493099 email:
[email protected]

Please note Bonhams do not provide shipping neither do Bonhams pack lots. Should you wish to organise collection of your lots via a third party carrier, they must check and pack lots on your behalf upon collection. Shippers or Agents wishing to collect on behalf of the purchaser must provide written instruction from the client before Bonhams will release the lot(s). All purchases are at the buyers risk from the fall of the hammer.
- Motorcycles