LOT 488
1935 Ariel 601cc Model F Square Four Registration no. AOX 135 Frame no. 6806 Engine no. WA294
Sold for £18,400 inc. premium
Lot 488
1935 Ariel 601cc Model F Square FourRegistration no. AOX 135 Frame no. 6806 Engine no. WA294
The Autumn Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, Stafford|9 October 2021, 12:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
1935 Ariel 601cc Model F Square Four
Registration no. AOX 135
Frame no. 6806
Engine no. WA294
Registration no. AOX 135
Frame no. 6806
Engine no. WA294
• Early overhead-camshaft Square Four
• Extensive recent refurbishment
• Said to run superbly
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. 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 4F6 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' 4F reappeared for 1939, redesigned along the lines of its larger sibling.
This Model F Square Four benefits from over £4,000 spent on spare parts, outside labour, engine oil and a new battery over the last eight-or-so months (most invoices are available). Works carried out include: engine oil drained and flushed through three times to eliminate built-up sludge; oil seal fitted to the Burman BA gearbox; front and rear drive chains adjusted to correct tension; and the electrics (6-volt) checked and rectified as necessary. The fuel tank was removed and flushed out with sealer/anti-corrosion liquid, then sent to specialists to be stripped down and re-chromed. The top and side panels were then painted in black and lined in gold. A complete set of Amours heavyweight exhausts has been fitted, including the crossover balance pipe and silencers, and new finned clamps to the cylinder head. The vendor reports that the engine runs superbly.
• Extensive recent refurbishment
• Said to run superbly
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. 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 4F6 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' 4F reappeared for 1939, redesigned along the lines of its larger sibling.
This Model F Square Four benefits from over £4,000 spent on spare parts, outside labour, engine oil and a new battery over the last eight-or-so months (most invoices are available). Works carried out include: engine oil drained and flushed through three times to eliminate built-up sludge; oil seal fitted to the Burman BA gearbox; front and rear drive chains adjusted to correct tension; and the electrics (6-volt) checked and rectified as necessary. The fuel tank was removed and flushed out with sealer/anti-corrosion liquid, then sent to specialists to be stripped down and re-chromed. The top and side panels were then painted in black and lined in gold. A complete set of Amours heavyweight exhausts has been fitted, including the crossover balance pipe and silencers, and new finned clamps to the cylinder head. The vendor reports that the engine runs superbly.
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
The frame number is Y6806.
Additional information
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- 9 October 2021, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
- 10 October 2021, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
