Ariel Motorcycles Square Four 4g 1939
This bike was purchased with an original February the 3rd 1938 Motor Cycle Magazine with the 4G 1,000cc Ariel write up – a full and complete script on the model and all its complexities.
It is enjoyable to read and appreciates the style of view taken by the columnist of the day. Certainly more time is spent on the appreciation of the comfort provided by the maker without delving too deeply into the complexities of the design – just enough to answer standard questions no more.
We know that the legendary Edward Turner designed the Ariel Square 4 and the first ‘Squariel’ was shown in 1930. The model soon evolved from a 500cc to 601cc in 1932. With a total redesign in 1937 the 4G emerged as a 995cc overhead valve engine making it even more appealing to the large sidecar market.
The softly tuned 1000cc motor only produces 43bhp (less than a 650cc Triumph of the day) but while the Meriden bike is all snarls, vibration and course power the Ariel is the epitome of gentility. Even today there are few more satisfying experiences than the magic carpet ride of the burbling, softly spoken “Square Four”.