1953 Ariel Square Four Mark II Registration Number: OKH 411...

Estimate

£6,000 - £7,000

1953 Ariel Square Four Mark II

Registration Number: OKH 411 
Frame Number: ES598  

- In current ownership since 2013
- Part of a private motorcycle collection
- Offered from the estate of a local collector, with No Reserve

The Ariel Square Four was first shown at the Olympia Motorcycle Show in 1930, showcasing a design by Edward Turner, creator of the legendary Triumph Speed Twin. Originally an overhead-camshaft 500, the model grew to 601cc before a total redesign in 1937 saw it emerge as the Model 4G, with 995cc overhead-valve engine. In order to reduce weight, the cast-iron cylinder head and barrel were replaced by alloy components for 1949. The revised 40 bhp model, now capable of 90mph-plus, became 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. The Ariel Square Four is a refined yet characterful machine, highly prized and with a very loyal following amongst enthusiasts.

First registered to Hull in the North of England in May of 1953, this Square Four remained in the area for 30 or more years until passing into the possession of one Dorset-based enthusiast from 1992 to 2002, and another to 2013. In current local ownership as part of a small collection, the Ariel’s last recorded service was at 43,337 miles in 2013, after which it appears to have covered just 86 miles. Very nicely presented, the history file contains current and older V5 registration documents, buff log book, previous bill of sale, MoT certificates dating back to the 1980s, also copies of period manuals and parts books.