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Shown at Pebble Beach

XXXX Ariel Square Four with Garrard Sidecar

Engine Number: MLXXX
Frame Number: GMXXX

In XXXX, engineer Edward Turner was shopping new motorcycle design to English manufacturers. BSA turned him down, but Ariel was interested. The engine was an unusual four-cylinder. V-twins and inline fours, set both lengthwise and across the frame, had been used previously but Turner??�s new design had two vertical twins sharing common crankcase. The cylinder barrels were cast as unit in monobloc design. Their two crankshafts were joined by flywheel and rotated in opposite directions. By having the two pistons of one crank at top and bottom dead center and the pistons of the second shaft at half stroke, the design was ingeniously compact and the firing order made it practically vibration free. The Ariel Square Four XF made its debut at the XXXX Olympia Motorcycle Show featuring an overhead camshaft XXXcc with hand shift for the Burman gearbox, which was integral with the crankcase. Overhead camshafts and unit construction were well into the future for most firms, so Ariel was real pioneer. Few knew then that the bike would become legend of the British industry, both for its performance and dependability. The latter was underscored by the Square Four??�s widespread use in the British law enforcement community.

Improvements were continuous during the Square Four??�s XX-year production run. The XG was introduced in XXXX with new XXXcc overhead-valve engine. To accommodate the larger displacement, new crankshaft was set in much stronger crankcase. These years saw the British economy recovering in the run up to World War II, and Square Fours were seen on the road more often, where they were known as the ???Monarch of the Multis???, referring to their multi-cylinder engines in sea of British singles and twins.

An exercise in weight shedding saw the cast-iron cylinder head and barrel replaced by alloy components for XXXX, the revised model, now capable of XXmph-plus, being known as the Mark I. Introduced in XXXX, the 'four pipe' MkII with re-designed cylinder head elevated the Square Four into the league of genuine XXXmph motorcycles. Square Four production ceased with all other Ariels in XXXX. To date, the innovative Ariel Square Four remains unique in motorcycling history; true 'gentleman's motorcycle', this refined yet characterful machine retains an enthusiastic and loyal following, and is highly prized by discerning enthusiasts.

The Mark II on offer here was fully restored by the previous owner with the help of marque expert, Chuck Walton. To say Chuck is an expert of the marque is just scratching the surface. His knowledge is encyclopedic and having restored XXX engines, understands every pitfall of the unique design and precisely how to prevent engine failure. Tricks to rod bolts (a well-known weak point of the engine), rocker arms, crank bushings, valve guides and springs ensure engines with great power, superb reliability and great longevity.

Then engine is mated to rebuilt gearbox with good clutch. All cycle parts were refurbished, rebuilt or replaced with correct parts as needed. The bike, as result, starts easily and idles well. Brakes, suspension and all electrical systems work perfectly.

This matching engine, frame and gearbox numbers XXXX example is offered in the ever-stylish Claret red colour, which sets off the chrome accents so well. Paint for the bike and sidecar was applied by local expert in the field of British bikes, and the colour is perfect match for the original. Brightwork is excellent, tires are good and all stickers are present.

Which brings us to the Garrard X-seater sidecar. Probably one of the nicest designs of sidecar built, and certainly the most attractive to leave the Walmer Rd, London shop, Garrard??�s enclosed sidecar offers great protection for the passenger with solid door, glass windows at the side, which slide open, and glass rear and front windshields. It features convertible soft top for open-air motoring, and fantastic ???dicky seat??? at the rear for second, probably younger member of the family. The paint was also applied by the same artisan during restoration, and the interior is in the same cream vinyl as the seat of the bike for perfect, integrated look. The attention to detail is impeccable, down to the beautifully sculpted rear bumper. And the wooden dash also has glovebox/drawer!

Meticulously maintained, the bike is offered in excellent mechanical and beautiful cosmetic condition throughout. An older restoration, it has held up well, with little use. The rig has been seen extensively over the last few years on the concours circuit, including Pebble Beach, Palos Verdes, and, of course, the Griffith Park Sidecar Concours, winning several trophies along the way.

The bike is accompanied by custom trailer to get to get to the shows, clean, clear title for both bike and sidecar, and file of documentation.

This is great opportunity to acquire possibly the most beautiful Mark II Ariel Square Four sidecar outfit; rig that garners amazing attention wherever it goes.





















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