LOT 617

1935 Ariel 601cc Model 4F/6 Square Four Registration no. AOX 135 Frame no. Y6806 Engine no. WA294 (see text)

Sold for £11,500 inc. premium

Lot 617

1935 Ariel 601cc Model 4F/6 Square Four
Registration no. AOX 135 Frame no. Y6806 Engine no. WA294 (see text)

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

1935 Ariel 601cc Model 4F/6 Square Four
Registration no. AOX 135
Frame no. Y6806
Engine no. WA294 (see text)

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. Although launched as a '500', the Squariel was soon enlarged to 601cc with an eye on the important sidecar market, this 4F/6 version being made available for the 1932 model year. The '500' was dropped after 1932 but the '600' continued until the end of 1936, its place being taken by the totally redesigned Model 4G, with 995cc overhead-valve engine. The '600' reappeared for 1939 as the 4F, redesigned along the lines of its larger sibling, but did not resume production after the war.

This 4F/6 Square Four has belonged to the vendor since September 2014. Offered for restoration and sold strictly as viewed, the machine comes with an Owners' Guide; spare parts lists; and old/current V5/V5C documents. It should be noted that the earliest copy of these lists a different engine number.

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

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Additional information

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