Vehicle Description
1953 Ariel Square Four MKII
VIN: XJ 716?
This Square Four was completely restored by Ariel expert, AJ Lewis.
Starting with a very original and complete motorcycle AJ would
complete an extensive cosmetic and mechanical restoration of this
British icon. All the bike's usable original parts were refurbished
and the balance of parts came from AJ's personal collection of NOS
Ariel parts. The engine and transmission were rebuilt and tuned by
AJ.
About the Ariel SQ4 MKII
In 1953, the four pipe 997 cc Ariel Square Four Mk II was released,
with separate barrels, a re-designed cylinder head with four
separate exhaust pipes from two cast-aluminum manifolds and a
rocker-box combined with the inlet manifold. A redesigned frame
provided clearance for the high-mounted, tall, car-type, SU
carburetor. This 40 hp (30 kW) Square Four was capable of 100 mph
(160 km/h). It weighed 425 lb (193 kg).
A brief history of AJ Lewis:
Following World War II AJ Lewis went to work for the famed British
motorcycle importer and shop, Johnson Motors in Pasadena CA. JoMo,
as they were called, was the largest Triumph and Ariel dealer and
distributor on the West Coast. While in their employ AJ became an
expert at building race motors that included both motorcycles and
Indy cars. His passion was for the Ariel and Triumph brands, and he
owned and tuned 2 Grand Prix racers with one placing 3rd at Daytona
in 1951. He later had two shops of his own with one specializing in
speed parts and performance engine builds. Later in life he would
restore the bikes of his youth as only a lifetime of experience and
expertise could, winning multiple awards in the process. AJ amassed
the largest supply of Ariel Motorcycles and parts in the world,
which allowed him to restore bikes using original factory
parts.
