LOT 210

The Bob Howard Collection 1946 Ariel 995cc 4G Square Four Registration no. HLB 476 Frame no. XP1276 Engine no. DK423 (see text)

Sold for £6,325 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 210

The Bob Howard Collection, 1946 Ariel 995cc 4G Square Four

The Autumn Stafford Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|12 October 2025, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

The Bob Howard Collection
1946 Ariel 995cc 4G Square Four
Registration no. HLB 476
Frame no. XP1276
Engine no. DK423 (see text)

Designed by Edward Turner, creator of Triumph's legendary Speed Twin, the first Ariel Square Four appeared 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. Square Four production, along with that of all other Ariel four-strokes, ceased in 1959.

Acquired by Bob Howard on 2nd November 2009 this 4G model currently displays a total of 61,666 miles to the odometer. The HPI report states that the machine was previously registered overseas and records the date of first UK registration as 3rd June 1991. It should be noted that the old-style continuation logbook records a change of engine from 'DK423' to 'DK236' in November 1961. The engine currently installed has been restamped 'DK423'.

Following a period of inactivity (the last MoT expired on 5th April 2011), this motorcycle will require recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent and thus is sold strictly as viewed (inspection highly recommended). The machine is offered with sundry invoices; a quantity of photocopied technical literature; a V5C document; and a selection of books, instruction manuals and spare parts lists.
Key not required

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Please see the Auction Information and Guide for Buyers at the top of the main sale page, for bidders' obligations. The Autumn Stafford Sale

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 12 October, with the auction starting at 11am GMT.

Additional information

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