Offered directly from Sir David Jason, c.1957 Ariel 998cc Square Four MkII

• Owned by Sir David for over 30 years
• Rebuilt by himself
• Fitted with Grimeca 4 leading shoe front brake
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.

This unique Square Four has been in the custodian of legendary British actor Sir David Jason and has been one of his prize possessions that he has enjoyed using but feels now is the time to find a new owner of this remarkable Square Four.

Purchased by Sir David over 30 years ago, he took upon the challenge to rebuild it back to its former glory when he spotted an advert in a classic motorcycle magazine for some Ariel spares and also a modification to the Ariel frame to convert it to a swinging arm instead of plunger suspension. Upon meeting the gentleman who put the advert up, it transpired his father worked for Ariel at the factory and when the factory closed, his father acquired the Jig to make the swinging arm conversions as he had been working on the initial concept of swinging arm frames and kept it in his workshop at home. Sir David decided it was the right decision, so he decided to use a donor frame and have a swinging arm conversion made (the original frame comes with the Lot, the original frame number is stamped on the donor frame), fitting the original engine and carried on with the restoration. Within the restoration process, he decided to increase the, in his words, feeble braking power of the original front brakes and fit a Grimeca 4 leading shoe front brake which compliments the looks of the Ariel very well. Upon completion, the Ariel was stored and has rarely been used since restoration so it will need careful recommissioning before returning to the road. An ideal opportunity to own a motorcycle that has been part of one Britians most beloved actors collection. Offered with a V5C.
Offered with key