LOT 743 N
Property of a deceased's estate 1931 Ariel 497cc Model 4F 'Square Four' Registration no. MN 7197 (Isle of Man) Frame no. R780 Engine no. R692
Sold for £23,000 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 743N
Property of a deceased's estate, 1931 Ariel 497cc Model 4F 'Square Four'Registration no. MN 7197 (Isle of Man) Frame no. R780 Engine no. R692
Property of a deceased's estate
1931 Ariel 497cc Model 4F 'Square Four'
Registration no. MN 7197 (Isle of Man)
Frame no. R780
Engine no. R692
1931 Ariel 497cc Model 4F 'Square Four'
Registration no. MN 7197 (Isle of Man)
Frame no. R780
Engine no. R692
• Delivered new to the Isle of Man
• Present ownership since 1973
• Offered for re-commissioning
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 with twin geared-together crankshafts and 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. 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.
First registered in the Isle of Man on 1st April 1931, this early Square Four comes with an old-style IoM continuation logbook (issued 1973) recording only one owner: Juan Andrew Clague of Port St Mary. Mr Clague had purchased the Ariel in 1973 and is believed to be only its second owner. The machine was ridden regularly by Mr Clague prior to his ill health and was displayed on the VMCC's stand at the Stafford Show circa eight years ago. We are advised that the fuel tank was professionally refinished by Terry Hall circa 15 years ago. Offered for re-commissioning, this early Squariel comes with its latest IoM Vehicle Registration Certificate (issued 2009); an original owners guide; and a quantity of photocopied marque-related literature.
• Present ownership since 1973
• Offered for re-commissioning
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 with twin geared-together crankshafts and 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. 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.
First registered in the Isle of Man on 1st April 1931, this early Square Four comes with an old-style IoM continuation logbook (issued 1973) recording only one owner: Juan Andrew Clague of Port St Mary. Mr Clague had purchased the Ariel in 1973 and is believed to be only its second owner. The machine was ridden regularly by Mr Clague prior to his ill health and was displayed on the VMCC's stand at the Stafford Show circa eight years ago. We are advised that the fuel tank was professionally refinished by Terry Hall circa 15 years ago. Offered for re-commissioning, this early Squariel comes with its latest IoM Vehicle Registration Certificate (issued 2009); an original owners guide; and a quantity of photocopied marque-related literature.
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Lot symbols
| N | NOVA declaration |
| If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice. |
