In a discussion of the greatest British motorcycle engines, it is impossible to avoid Ariel’s Square Four. Likewise, Norton’s Featherbed frame is generally seen as one of the greatest chassis of the era. Throw these two together in a period-built custom, and the result is an inevitably interesting machine. This so-called Esquire is just that, featuring a 1956 Ariel engine mated with a 1959 Norton frame. Find it here on eBay in Saint Louis, Missouri with a BIN of $18,500.
_Right_Profile_2_resize.jpg "1963 Esquire (Ariel-Norton) Right Profile 2.jpg")
Placing the engine from one bike into the frame of another is nothing new to the Cafe scene. Norton’s featherbed frame is often be seen in these conversions, but Ariel engines are much more unorthodox. This custom was built in California in 1963, and was only one of three like it built that year.
_Tank_resize.jpg "1963 Esquire (Ariel-Norton) Tank.jpg")
The paint on the bike looks pretty tired, but overall it is a very attractive package. Furthermore, the bike is said to run and ride well. No glaring problems are reported, but we would like a little more information from the seller before seriously bidding.
_Right_Profile_resize.jpg "1963 Esquire (Ariel-Norton) Right Profile.jpg")
The Ariel Square Four was extremely capable as a long-legged tourer in its day. We wonder how much of its character was changed with the Norton frame; if it goes half as well as it looks, though, it is likely a pretty sublime marriage.
_Front_Left_Profile_resize.jpg "1963 Esquire (Ariel-Norton) Front Left Profile.jpg")
This bike is one of the most intriguing cafe builds we have seen in a while. It could likely give even the venerable Norvin a run for its money, and is far more unique. Much of the British motorcycle industry’s best is represented in this custom: we would ride it everywhere, and as often as possible.
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A most interesting machine… and I daresay, pursuant to the… “moulding” of the seat vinyl, like the throttleyard folks, the previous owner(s) rode it anywhere and everywhere as well.
I built a featherbed in the early 70′s, but I put a Dunstal 850 Norton motor in it. Damn thing vibrated like all getout. This has got to be a lot smoother setup. The featherbed frame was very solid and controllable-even got a Bonneville record out of it. I don’t recall my Rickman frame being that much of an improvement.
Intriguing history and build; but ‘Esquire?’ Puts me off somehow. Nice bike though.
I have always been a bit puzzled by this combination of bike bits when I first heard of them in years past. In the 60′s I had a ’49 Ariel with a ’57 MKII engine. Nice, smooth engine with abundant low end torque and great sound with open megaphones. They were used a lot for sidecar work at home. The only interesting features of the motor were the 4 cylinders and counter rotating cranks. The rest was just a 1000cc, 4 cylinder, vertical valve, pushrod motor fed with (in my case) a single 1.00″ Amal carb. The intake tract is a horror show. Not the stuff of high output. This combo would be like putting a 6 cylinder Austin sedan motor into a XKE Jaguar IMHO. With high enough gearing this bike would be a good, smooth long-legged cruiser but wouldn’t hold a candle to a Norvin as far as performance is concerned. As far as “Esquire” is concerned, that’s an appellation usually associated with lawyers and you know what most folks think of them.
Looks to be the bike that reached a bid of$11,000 and did not sell at the Barber Vintage Festival auction by RM Auctions America.
http://www.auctionsamerica.com/events/feature-lots.cfm?SaleCode=BF11&ID=r172
It looked pretty good in person but did not blow me away.
I’m seeking any history on this bike. If anyone can help please e-mail nohiss@hotmail.com. Thanks Scott