Phenomenal engine in an ingenious composition

However progressive and attractive the four-cylinder, rectangular engine in the Ariel Square Four certainly was, its chassis came with some weaknesses. Good for leisurely sidecar trips or longer excursions, it was not the bike of first choice for more sporty solo riders. The rear section with plunger suspension had a habit of surprising the pilot with a certain waywardness. So it is hardly surprising that gifted mechanics experimented with many different custom solutions. Ariel itself also produced prototypes with alternative chassis design, but they were never released in series. During the 1970s, the Healey Brothers built a version with Ceriani fork and needle-bearing swingarm and Girling shocks.

Inspired by the Healey modification, Mr Peter Wakefield came up with his own version of a perfect Squirrel in the mid-80s. He purchased a 1955 Mk 2 with the 4-pipe aluminium engine – a coveted model due to its lack of thermal issues and striking beauty – in 1984. He expertly refurbished the bike and started buying components to convert the chassis. Then the time came to carve up the Square and Huntmaster frames and to conjoin the front section of the one with the rear section of the other. Particular attention was paid to the engine’s ability to handle heat. Many other improved details produced and improved Square Four that was absolutely suitable for everyday use and that Ariel would certainly have liked to see as part of its programme. The genesis and conversion are documented in an extensive and entertaining text, penned by the engineer himself. A several-page article in an edition of the Classic Bike Guide describes the expert conversion. Mr Wakefield planned to emigrate to New Zealand in 1993, and so he sold the Ariel to Vienna, where it became the exotic centrepiece of a small motorcycle collection, which is now being sold piece for piece. A Square Four was always special, and this one in particular.

VIN: PS365 Engine: ML129 Milage: 28,878 mls (read) Displacement: 997 ccm Power: 35 hp Gearbox: 4-speed Papers: Austrian individual approval