1934 Ariel Square Four

Lot details
Registration No: AYV 350
Frame No: Y5815
Engine No: UA429
cc: 600
MOT Expiry Date: None

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.
AYV 350, a 1934 601cc version, has been in the same family ownership for over fifty years. The machine was purchased by the present owners father for £15 and she recollects being a pillion on the machine during the 1950's. A comprehensive restoration was carried out during 1996 at which time new main roller bearings, big ends and pistons were fitted. The mag/dyno was rewound and the wheels were rebuilt with new tyres being fitted. Items such as the chains, cables and battery were replaced as a matter of course and new wiring was installed. The chrome tank and black and gold paintwork are described as being in "as new" condition as are the cycle parts and electrics. The engine is described as having had a "total rebuild" and the transmission is described as being in good working order.
AYV 350 won the "Best Pre-war Bike award" in the 1996 Festival of 1000 Bikes concours competition following her restoration and was subsequently placed on display at RAF Manston, nestling under the wing of a Hawker Hurricane, as an example of an RAF pilots wartime transport. She is offered with a buff log book, Swansea V5, workshop manual, various books, concours cup and rosette, some spares and a dating certificate from the Ariel Owners Club.