Ariel Square Four

I know this is nothing to do with my SV but I was wondering if anyone could help anyway.

My father in law is into his classic british bikes and has been offered an Ariel Square Four - 1956, its a 4 piper, all as original including paintwork, original registration and log book, it does have some crome pitting on it though.

It runs but has not been restored.

The bloke wants £3,250 for it, is that a good price, what price do they go for restored?

Thanks for your help.

Square fours are very sought after, so they do fetch quite a high price. I'd say that £3,250 is a reasonable price if it's in good condition.
You have to watch out for head warping, and the barrels cracking, as the engine will run very hot.
I've heard that getting the fuel mix right on these isn't the easiest due to the rear cylinders running hotter than the front.
Lovely bikes though! Unrestored bikes have are beautiful things in their own right as well.
Thinking about it; you'll pay £3500 for a reasonable BSA A10....

Originally Posted by Caddy2000

Square fours are very sought after, so they do fetch quite a high price. I'd say that £3,250 is a reasonable price if it's in good condition.
You have to watch out for head warping, and the barrels cracking, as the engine will run very hot.
I've heard that getting the fuel mix right on these isn't the easiest due to the rear cylinders running hotter than the front.
Lovely bikes though! Unrestored bikes have are beautiful things in their own right as well.
Thinking about it; you'll pay £3500 for a reasonable BSA A10....

Thanks Caddy, I'll pass that info on.

Played with one of these when I was a kid,with regard to the rears running hot use hot plugs in the rear and a cooler set in the front. Don't ask what we used as it was quite some time ago but it solved the problem and made the engine run a lot sweeter
Value???????no idea but get a classic bike mag

"A non-running 1955 Mk2 4-piper was offered for private sale at the end of 2005 for £4000."

From http://www.realclassic.co.uk/squarefour06010500.html... Sounds like a good price!

[embee]

Sounds a very reasonable valuation if it is original and complete. They are definitely sought after.
Look at Bonhams list here and item 214 was a 1937 model 4G which went for 19.5k , item 240 was a 1952 model 4G mk1 which made 5.75k

Excellent guys, thanks for your input, I'll tell the father in law its a goer then, I'll try and get some pics to post when its compete.

[fizzwheel]

Might be worth talking to somebody here :

http://www.arielownersmcc.co.uk/index.html

My Uncle had a square four, it sounded like a Mini. I can give my dad a ring and ask if about them if you want anymore info. He's in the VMCC so he'll know somebody who he can ask if you want ?

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Might be worth talking to somebody here :

http://www.arielownersmcc.co.uk/index.html

My Uncle had a square four, it sounded like a Mini. I can give my dad a ring and ask if about them if you want anymore info. He's in the VMCC so he'll know somebody who he can ask if you want ?

Cheers Fizz, popping off to see him later so if he wants any more info I'll come back to you.

That's what I like about this forum, everyone is so helpful, thanks