1932 Ariel 601cc Model 4F Square Four
Registration no. GY 3625
Frame no. T178
Engine no. T828
•Early overhead-camshaft Square Four
•Only two owners since 1933
•Present ownership since 1977
•Stored as part of a private collection of Ariels
•Seen for the first time in decades

Designed by the legendary Edward Turner, the Ariel Square Four was first shown at Olympia in 1930. Unique at the time of its introduction, the 'Squariel', as it was swiftly dubbed, featured a single block of four cylinders and twin geared-together crankshafts with pistons phased at 180 degrees. The crankcase was split horizontally, unusually for a motorcycle engine of the period, while the vertical valves were operated by a single overhead camshaft. A supercharged example was raced at the Isle of Man TT in 1931 without success, which was hardly surprising as its makers had envisaged the model as more of a luxury tourer than an out-and-out sports machine.

Although launched as a '500' (actually 498cc), the Squariel was soon enlarged to 601cc with an eye on the important sidecar market, this bigger 4F6 version being made available for the 1932 model year. The '500' was dropped after 1932 but the '600' continued until the end of 1936. In 1937 a total redesign saw the concept re-emerge as the Model 4G, with 995cc overhead-valve engine, making the Squariel an even more enticing prospect for sidecarists. 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.

Exuding patina and offered for sympathetic restoration and/or 'oily ragging', the current vendor purchased this early Square Four in June 1977 (paying £425 for the machine) from a Mr Richard Charles Manning of Chingford, who had bought it in 1933. Ridden when acquired, a notable modification from standard specification includes a foot change. 'GY 3625' has been kept in store since purchase as part of a private collection of Ariels, and still carries a tax disc that expired in 1953. Seen for the first time in several decades, the machine is offered with an old-style continuation logbook (issued 1947); old/current V5/V5C documents; and a certificate of insurance from 1952-1953.
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.

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 21 April starting at 11am GMT.