The Anthony R. East Classic Motorcycle Collection, 1956 Ariel 998cc Square Four 4G MkII & Steib S501 Sidecar

• Acquired by Tony East in 1988
• Professionally restored by Bryan Small
• One of the highlights of Tony's collection
• Featured in The Classic MotorCycle in 1993

Designed by Edward Turner, creator of the legendary Triumph Speed Twin, the first Ariel Square Four was shown at the Olympia Motorcycle Show in 1930. Conceived as an overhead-camshaft 500, the model grew to 601cc before a total redesign saw it emerge as the Model 4G, with 995cc overhead-valve engine, in 1937. Anstey-link plunger rear suspension became an option in 1939 but would not be offered again until 1946, when a telescopic front fork replaced the previous girder type. An exercise in weight shedding saw the cast-iron cylinder head and barrel replaced by alloy components for 1949, the revised model, now capable of 90mph-plus, being known as the Mark I. Introduced in 1953, the 'four pipe' MkII with redesigned cylinder head elevated the Square Four into the league of genuine 100mph motorcycles. Square Four production, along with that of all other Ariel four-strokes, ceased in 1959. 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.

Built on 29th December 1955, this 1956 model has the Anstey Link rear suspension and full-width alloy front hub, both of which were standard features by that time. Tony East purchased the 'Squariel' at auction in 1985, and like many of the machines in his collection it was entrusted to experienced restorer Bryan Small to renovate (bills on file) while the paintwork was entrusted to Allan Templeton. Tony purchased the Steib S501 'chair' from Bonhams. This is the oldest restoration in the museum.

In 1993 Tony's finished outfit was featured in The Classic MotorCycle magazine (April edition, copy on file). Tony loved sidecars and was quoted as saying: "If ever I was forced to sell anything through lack of space it would be the solo bikes that went. I couldn't part with the sidecars." Tony used the Ariel outfit for trips to the Isle of Man and regular visits to the VMCC Founders' Day Rally and Festival of 1,000 Bikes at Brands Hatch, and he also entered it in the Louis Vuitton concours. This Squariel outfit has multiple celebrity connections, having been ridden by The Hairy Bikers and passengered James May and Martin Clunes (see plaque). It has also appeared with Strictly's Len Goodman and Alex James of The One Show.

Accompanying documentation includes a Science Museum dating letter; restoration details and invoices; a quantity of MoTs (most recent expired 2013); Ariel Square Four Super Profile book; old/current V5C Registration Certificates; parts list and various manuals, including for the Steib. The recorded mileage at time of cataloguing was 5,558.
Offered with key