Introduced in 1931 the Square 4 ran to 1958 growing from 500 to 1,000 cc in the process. A staggering 15,639 bikes were produced during this time, a huge amount considering the complicated engine design, the Ariel motorcycle company circuming to market forces and financial difficulties in 1959 probably as a result of Square 4 production dropped the manufacture of all of its four stroke bikes in favour of two stroke light weight machines. Of this total production some 3,800 of the MkII ( 4G models ) were produced from 1953 to ’58, these were the most developed and the fastest, capable of 100 mph. Very much aimed at the discerning and affluent customer they cost £340, a considerable amount at that time. According to the Ariel Owners Club this 4G MkII from 1954 is a matching number bike delivered new to a Mr C Rye of London. The previous owner acquired it in 2011 and spent a whopping £8,800 having the bike partially restored the main cost was a complete rebuild of the engine, gearbox and dynamo by a marque specialist. As such the bike is in superb running order, the body work and frame appear to have been repainted at an earlier time but are also in very good condition. Showing 3397 miles, the bike has only covered about 2500 since the work was completed. Invoices for the parts and for the work done are on file as is a dating cert. and the current V5C logbook. A well presented and great running example of a very different and unique classic bike, all Square 4’s are highly prized and collectable today.
