1939 Ariel Square Four

Lot details
Registration No: Un-Reg
Frame No: AX187
Engine No: DC301
cc: 1000

The Square Four, introduced in 500cc form during 1931 was the work of Edward Turner. Conceived as a luxury tourer it utilised a chain driven over camshaft and four cranks with the gearbox being driven by the rear left hand example. The new model was joined by a 601cc variant the following year which eventually replaced the smaller machine. Unfortunately for Ariel, the introduction of complex, luxury model into an already crowded market place at the height of a recession resulted in limited sales, many admired the machine but those that could afford a luxury mount tended to opt for the known qualities of one of the large capacity vee twins, consequently examples of either over head cam model are rare. In an attempt to broaden the appeal of their range leader Ariel replaced the cammy 600cc Square Four with an overhead valve design displacing 997cc during 1936. The redesigned engine retained the geared twin crankshafts first seen in the overhead cam engine, although the gears had moved to the left hand side of the engine, but little else, other than the name, remained unchanged from the cammy Square Four. 1939 saw the introduction of a compensated-link, plunger equipped frame which continued in use, complimented at the front by Ariel telescopic forks, when production of the 4G Mark 1 resumed in 1946. The model continued with very little change for the next two years, until in late 1948 a redesign took place, resulting in a new version equipped with an all alloy engine.
The example offered dates from 1939 and is equipped with the Anstey link rear suspension system adopted for that season. It is attractively presented having benefited from a restoration with a green and chromium plated fuel tank, incorporating the then fashionable, instrument panel and black cycle parts. As with all the machines from the collection it has been, according to the vendor, started on a regular basis. It is offered with Spanish documentation.