1934 Riley Imp

Description

Well-known to the Riley Imp Register; pre-war trials history; larger 12/4 engine fitted; plenty of performance in this historically significant and very smart Riley; in its current guise since 1955

Chassis 6025492 left the Riley works on 1st December 1934 as one of around 120 Imps that were produced between 1934 and 1935.

The Riley Register lists its chassis number as being first registered ALJ 454, a Bournemouth-issued number. The car is pictured competing in the Lawrence Cup Trial in the mid-1930s in Georgano's 'History of the Sportscar' after which it went to ground until discovered in Normack Garage in Long Eaton in 1955.

By this stage of its life it had lost its bodywork and engine, consisting of its original chassis, axles, steering, radiator and headlights. It was acquired for £50 (a not inconsequential sum in the mid-Fifties) by a Mr Bance (receipt on file). There are also photos on file of the rolling chassis - date unknown but certainly from the 1950s or early '60s.

It was rebuilt in the style of an Ulster Imp, Riley's competition model that acquitted itself so well on the Ards TT Circuit in Ulster. As there was no engine, the then-owner fitted a more robust and powerful 12/4 engine as one would have done in period. It still has this fitted today, mated to a pre-selector gearbox. Photos on file show a well-constructed ash frame which has been skinned in aluminium, the completed car shown in more photos dated 1986.

When it was purchased as a rolling chassis back in the day, it was re-registerd SAA 27, a Hampshire number which has remained on the car since 1957, a period of 67 years.

It was acquired by the vendor in 2000 from a Mr Smith in Manchester who advertised it in the VSCC Bulletin. It is in much the same state today, having been enjoyed and carefully maintained since and has been featured in Gathercole's book on the Riley Imp (page 103) published in 2008.

It is now running twin SUs which replaced the Zenith carbs in 2010 and received a front axle overhaul in 2012 which included rebushed kingpins and a needle roller conversion. The car had a spin-on oil filter conversion in 2014 and new tyres in 2020 fitted to previously refurbished wheels (2003) which were powder coated at the time by Longstone Tyres.

It comes with a tightly fitting tonneau and a hood with separate frame, a note stating that it has only been used about five times in the last 24 years! The paintwork is very smart, as is the red leather upholstery and dash full of working instruments. It also has a nice folding screen and aeroscreens.

On offer with an estimate which reflects its more powerful 12/4 engine and non-original but period-correct Ulster coachwork, it looks excellent value for a real car with real history....

Contact matthew.parkin@brightwells.com