LOT 615

1940 Ariel 599cc Model 4F Square Four Registration no. FOK 517 Frame no. AX697 Engine no. EE592

Estimate: £15,000 - £20,000

Lot 615

1940 Ariel 599cc Model 4F Square Four
Registration no. FOK 517 Frame no. AX697 Engine no. EE592

The Winter Sale - including The National Motorcycle Museum Reserve Collection - Bicester Heritage|12 December 2020, 10:00 GMT|Bicester, Bicester Heritage

1940 Ariel 599cc Model 4F Square Four
Registration no. FOK 517
Frame no. AX697
Engine no. EE592

Designed by the legendary Edward Turner, Ariel's 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. 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 the Squariel re-emerge as the Model 4G, with 995cc overhead-valve engine, making it an even more enticing prospect for sidecarists. Dropped after 1936, the '600' 4F reappeared for 1939, redesigned along the lines of its larger sibling. Not revived after WW2, the overhead-valve 4F is one of the rarest of 1930s Ariels. This 4F Square Four has belonged to the current vendor since June 2011. Believed to be an older restoration, 'FOK 517' is offered in need of re-commissioning, or possibly more extensive renovation, and is sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns and the machine would respond well to detailing). Accompanying documentation consists of an old-style continuation logbook; a dating certificate; a V5C Registration Certificates; and sundry bills for parts.

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.

Saleroom notices

Please click the link to view the walkaround video of Lot 615: click here

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
Memorabilia and Spares
For Memorabilia and Spares (Lots 1-123) the Buyer's Premium is 27.5% on the first £10,000 of the hammer price 25% on the excess of £10,001 and up to £450,000 of the hammer price 20% on the excess of £450,001 and up to £4,500,000 of the hammer price 14.5% on the excess of £4,500,001.
Motorcycles
For Motorcycles (Lots 201-254 & 501-708) 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.
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.
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.
- Motorcycles