1954 Ariel Square 4 MkII – $28,500 (Sold)
SELLER SAYS: This very collectible, 4 cylinder, classic English motorbike is in exceptional condition following a recent comprehensive, bare-frame restoration. Restored from a very original, good condition, club-registered bike with a known history going back 51 years. The engine, frame and gearbox are all original matching numbers from the factory (documented).
The restoration included desirable upgrades:
• Morgo (UK) rotary oil pump.
• Accuspark (UK) electronic ignition inside original distributor.
• RGM (UK) cartridge-type remote oil filter conversion.
• Iron Horse Spares (UK) 12 volt 300watt alternator conversion discreetly fitted inside the original dynamo. The bike has been rewired for 12 volts including a new wiring loom.
• Devon (UK) stainless steel wheel rims and spokes with new Dunlop tyres.
• Armour (UK) exhaust pipes and silencers – HD and triple plated.
• Extensive use of Acme (UK) stainless steel fixtures and fasteners.
• New early style fuel tank with Smiths oil pressure gauge.
• Conversion to a sprung, solo leather saddle
The bike starts easy, runs well, and has covered less than a thousand kilometres since being restored. It comes with photos before, during and after the restoration as well as supporting documentation and some spare parts. Contact Don on 0402 xxx xxx SOLD (Hoppers Crossing, Victoria).
EDITOR TERLICK SAYS: In the history of motorcycling, there are leaders and followers. The leaders — both bikes and folks — were born from big doses of creativity and courage. Ariel’s Square 4 was most definitely a leader, and the star of its show was the engine — and it was born from one of motorcycling’s human leaders, Edward Turner. Turner might be most frequently remembered for his many brilliant achievements at Triumph (including the much-loved Speed Twin), but his stellar career really started with Ariel and the Square 4. Turner was the creator of the Square 4 before it had the word ‘Ariel’ in front of it. In fact, he first offered the engine design to BSA — but BSA said “no thanks”, leaving the door open to Ariel to pick up both the engine and the man. With two crankshafts rotating in opposite directions to deaden vibration, the Square 4 was velvety smooth. Later models like this MkII of Don’s were good for 100mph. The Square 4 lasted nigh-on 30 years before being retired, and still carries the description of being a “gentleman’s bike”. Don’s bike looks to be a beauty, with a marvellous blend of originality and sensible improvements. Funky and functional, it would suit a collector who likes to take their bikes onto the road rather than leaving them in the cave. Do yourself a favour and watch the video, with the volume turned right up. It sounds magnificent. Very nice indeed.
