For Sale: 1948 Ariel Motorcycle in Saint Louis, Missouri

Two famous British motorcycling names are joined together in this uncommonly stylish post-war motorcycle-sidecar outfit certain to gather attention wherever it is seen and enjoyed.� The Ariel Square Four was one of the most glamorous and best known of British motorcycles and has been described as "the smoothest British motorcycle of all time".� The Square Four was designed and brought to Ariel in 1928 by Edward Turner - who later became an industry legend at Triumph.� The innovative four-cylinder design mounts two cylinder blocks with parallel crankshafts turning in opposite directions on a crankcase located transversely in the frame, together with single overhead camshafts on each pair of cylinders. �The Ariel Square Four was introduced as 500 cc in 1930 at the Olympia Motorcycle Show and enlarged to 600 cc two years later. A new 1,000 cc Square Four was introduced at Olympia in November 1935, producing 38 hp @ 5,800 rpm.� What has been described at �instant' throttle response, smooth acceleration, reliability and compact packaging make Ariel 1,000 cc Square Fours highly desirable today and particularly well suited to pulling a sidecar.� The Watsonian sidecar in this outfit was also manufactured by one of the most venerable names in British motorcycling; now the oldest sidecar manufacturer in the world more than a century later.� Watsonian was founded in 1912 to produce a clever folding sidecar that could pass through narrow spaces.� Throughout the pre-war years, Watsonian maintained a position as a premier builder of elegantly styled open and closed sidecars as well as "Speed" models intended for racing. The early post-war years were a boom time for British motorcycle and sidecar manufacturers, filling the need for inexpensive transportation for a cash-strapped nation still rebuilding itself following WWII.� By the mid-1950s, nearly 140,000 sidecar outfits were registered on British roads.� Half of them were built by Watsonian - who also built Sidecar World Championship-winning outfits in 1949, 1950, 1951 and 1954.� The Ariel-Watsonian outfit offered here is a unique combination of pre-war design and post-war execution.� The vehicle is offered in very good original condition after being part of a private Seattle, Washington collection since the 1980s.� The black frame has been repainted and retains the original black seat as well as original trim, badges and hardware, including an RAC disc mounted at the rear wheel.� The finish shows nicks and chips as to be expected, with a pleasing amount of patina.� The Watsonian sidecar is simply a delight, finished in forest green and seating two passengers in tandem, front-to-rear, with access by a hinged door on the curb side.� The interior is upholstered in a saddle colored weatherproof material.� Unexpected comforts include plexiglass windows for full weather protection, a large canvas sunroof that rolls open from the front of the sidecar, a �locker' incorporated into the rear of the car, plus a polished rack mounted on the roof for small pieces.� A tailored satchel in the interior appears to be intended to transport a dog in comfort.� The art deco style sidecar fender and wheel cover complete the coquettish design. This very original and well cared-for motorcycle-sidecar outfit is completely sorted, runs and drives well.� No words might better describe the experience than these used in promotion of the Ariel Square Four motorcycle, promising:� "Good performance and comfort with a genuinely refined feel".� Sure to be welcomed anywhere.