Do you remember the Johnny Cash song about building a Cadillac in his garage from parts he stole one at a time? This bike might be similar (according to the listing story). Seems there was a guy that was involved in the air freight business from the US to England that loved Ariels and he ‘found room’ on many flights for a bike or parts…and became an expert in the marque by building and rebuilding Ariel Square Fours.
The 1954 Ariel Square Four used a 996 CC (60.84 CID) four stroke air/oil cooled four stroke overhead valve motor with a single Stromberg carb to produce 40 HP and a top speed of over 100 MPH. A 4 speed transmission, plunger rear suspension, hydraulic front forks and an overall weight of 425 LBS completed the package.
This particular 1954 Ariel Square Four (VIN: PL131) is in Santa Monica CA and is listed as “a fantastic riding Ariel Square Four”. It is based on a ‘54 but has multiple parts from other years including the tank from an Ariel Single and a Harley Davidson rear wheel. This bike is listed with a Buy It Now price of $20,900