BRITISH CLASSICS TO FEATURE AT SHANNONS MELBOURNE AUCTION

Highlights include a rarely-seen Ariel Square 4 MkII. As the name suggests, the Square 4 featured four cylinders, arranged in pairs back-to-back to provide a total of 1,000cc capacity. Problems with cooling the rear pair of cylinders led to the 'Mark II' development, of which the Shannons-consigned machine is an example. Dated as a 1957 model, the lot on offer is an older restoration, currently incomplete and not in running condition. Pre-auction estimate on this machine is $7,000 - $10,000.

The Melbourne auction will also include a pair of Douglas motorcycles, the oldest of which is a 1926 'EW' 350cc inline twin. Despite being an older restoration, the EW still presents in stunning condition, explained by the fact it was never ridden post-resto, but displayed only. From a deceased estate, the Douglas would make a great club bike, and is expecetd to sell in the $10,000 - $14,000 bracket.

The second Douglas consigned for Melbourne is a later model, but in similarly exceptional condition. A 1951 Mk5 350, the newer Douglas has also been restored, but used more regularly than the 1926 model. From a deceased estate, the Mk5 is finished in stunning metallic blue paint, with excellent chrome. A feature of note on this bike are the unusual crash bar-mounted 'spotlights'. Pre-auction estimate is $9,000 - $11,000.

Other lot of interest consigned for this auction include a 1932 BSA 600cc 'sloper' single, 1949 Royal Enfield 'J Model' 500 single, and a 1939 Velocette MAC 350cc single in race trim.

Shannons Melbourne Winter Classic Auction is scheduled for Monday, June 4th, 2012, at Shannons' Melbourne auction rooms - 321 Warrigal Rd, Cheltenham.