LOT 511

1959 Ariel 998cc Square Four Mark II Registration no. XRW 573 Frame no. CGM 1087 Engine no. CNML 2056 (see text)

Sold for £8,625 inc. premium

Lot 511

1959 Ariel 998cc Square Four Mark II

The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|14 October 2023, 10:30 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1959 Ariel 998cc Square Four Mark II
Registration no. XRW 573
Frame no. CGM 1087
Engine no. CNML 2056 (see text)

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. For 1949 the cast-iron cylinder head and barrel replaced by alloy components, the revised model, now capable of 90mph-plus, being known as the Mark I. Introduced in 1953, the 'four pipe' Mark II 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.

Owned by the vendor for almost 40 years and rebuilt by them in the late 1980s, this late Square Four has been garage stored since restoration and has covered probably no more than 200 miles since recommissioning. The latter included fitting a new oil filter and a new battery. The usual safety checks should be made before use. Accompanying documentation includes the original RF60 logbook, V5C, some expired MoTs, and a substantial quantity of invoices. It should be noted that the engine has been changed.
Key not required

Footnotes

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Saleroom notices

This lot is offered with keys.

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