1939 Ariel Square Four 4F
Description
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
By the mid-60s Southern California was engulfed in a car craze, captivating young men like Steven J. Karlock, who became enamored with the Shelby 427 Cobra. Steven's passion for high-quality cars began with a Cobra, extended to Corvettes, and grew to include many legendary marques. Together with his wife, Jackie, he restored and cherished these vehicles. They later moved to Hannibal, Missouri, where they opened Karlock's Museum of Pop Culture in a historic grain depot along the Mississippi River. The museum, showcasing top-tier motorcars and memorabilia, became a Midwest gem. Hagerty Marketplace is honored to present The Karlock’s Collection, offered entirely without reserve.
The English motorcycle manufacturer Ariel is renowned for innovative engineering, notably the Square Four model introduced in 1931. Designed by Edward Turner, who later contributed to Triumph's iconic designs, the Square Four featured a distinctive engine. This engine combined two overhead camshaft parallel twins, effectively creating a more powerful unit.
The model began with a 500 cc engine for the first two years, upgraded to a 600 cc engine in 1932, known as the "4F". The "4F" was produced until 1936, when it was replaced by the 995 cc "4G". However, the popular 600 cc model briefly returned in 1939 with overhead valves operated by pushrods. During its production run it is believed that 2,674 units of the "4F" were manufactured at Ariel's Birmingham factory.
Highlights
Offered from The Karlock’s Collection
Optional (10 GBP) Anstey-link plunger “Spring” frame, the first year available
“EE” code 600 cc four-cylinder engine dating from 1939
Detachable cylinder head
Totally enclosed overhead valves operated by pushrods
14 mm spark plugs
Twin crankshafts mounted on substantial bearings
Roller bearing big ends
Special aluminum alloy pistons
Drum Brakes
18 inch spoke wheels
Features
Two-port interconnected exhaust
Four-speed transmission with foot clutch
Mudguards with hinged rear.
3.25 gallon “saddle-type” fuel tank
Known Imperfections
Please note that all lots in The Karlock’s Collection are offered after many years of static museum display, without operation or road use. The selling estate endeavored to advance all cars to running condition, however, as a result of the extended museum display, it is to be assumed that every lot will require additional mechanical attention before being driven safely on open roads. All cars will have immediate needs associated with long-term static display and require sorting to perform best and safely. All lots are sold as is, where is.
Offered in project condition in need of complete restoration
Included
History File
Car show info board
The Book of the Ariel and Ariel Motorcycle Owner’s Handbook
California blue plate “9J5293” with a May 1977 registration sticker
Ownership History
According to 1977 California State registration cards, the earliest verified owner of this 1939 Ariel Square Four 4F was William S. Winfield of Simi Valley, California. While previous auction documentation from 2015 asserts this Ariel was owned by Steve McQueen, Hagerty Marketplace is unable to verify this. The history file then records the motorcycle was later acquired by Harry Scribner a noted NHRA Pro Stock racer of nearly 30 years. The documentation also recounts that the Ariel was stolen in 1986 and later returned to Scribner in October 1991. By 2015 the motorcycle was sold through auction and acquired by The Karlock’s Collection in a state similar to its recovery and later auction.
Additional Notes
A private preview will be hosted by Hagerty Marketplace for registered bidders on Sunday August 18 and Monday the 19th. You must call the representing Car Specialist, Ramsey Potts (912.508.4096), in advance to secure an appointment.
Additionally, due to the cars being stored in a personal residence, following the close of the auction all lots must be retrieved while a Hagerty Marketplace representative is onsite beginning Tuesday, September 3rd through Tuesday, September 10. No cars can be retrieved prior to September 3 and any lots remaining after September 10 will be removed from the facility and placed in an adjacent lot.
This 1939 Ariel Square Four 4F motorcycle is sold on Bill of Sale.
The accompanying history file makes generous mention of prior ownership by Steve McQueen. Hagerty Marketplace has not been able to independently verify this prior ownership, beyond the documents supplied by the seller.
A Broad Arrow Group Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle.
Contact: Ramsey Potts Phone: 912.508.4096 email: rpotts@hagerty.com
