Ariel Square Four

Two owners from new, both from our home town of Fleet in Hampshire, the first from first registration on 6th September 1952 and the last from 22nd September 1980. So it is a matching numbers machine for sure and on the original registration number, what a find this is. This bike was originally advertised in “Garage Find” condition having been in storage unused for a few years but we have given it some attention and it has responded well as you can see. I did concentrate on the right side and with more detailed work the overall condition could be brought back to nearly concours despite some storage deterioration and post-restoration patina. This kind of provenance does not deteriorate however and we think the new owner will enjoy returning this fine machine to its former glory with some sympathetic cosmetic work and internal fuel tank reconditioning. You can see in the video it is running from a remote fuel tank which is a preventative measure as the fuel tank liner is softening and we don’t want to contaminate the carburettor as it is running so well now. The bike starts instantly, idles easily, revs freely, charges well and shows very strong oil pressure which falls slowly after the engine is stopped. A well rebuilt motor then. Frame number is SV1210 and the engine number TM1253, you can see the registration number and condition clearly from the pictures or come and see it here by appointment.

This machine is one of a cherished collection of motorcycles owned, fettled and ridden by a local gentleman, sadly now departed. I personally rode with him on classic runs and always admired his machines and the man himself, so proud to have the privilege of finding new homes for his classic bikes. In this case the bike has been recommissioned by Classic Bike Workshop for the new owner and it is in fine mechanical and electrical condition; everything working as it should including the in-tank oil pressure gauge. Apologies for not getting a better record of the oil pressure in the video but it is strong and maintains pressure after stopping the engine, don’t know what I was doing pointing the camera at a rev-counter that isn’t there… done in a hurry with a cold engine, must try harder can do better.