Lot Ended
Description
A well-historied Riley Special from 60-year ownership; 16hp
2.5-litre engine and four-speed Nuffield box; lengthened chassis for larger
cockpit; accurate MPH body in aluminium with ash frame on a Mike Holden MPH
chassis; well sorted, on-the-button and absolutely
gorgeous!
The more astute among you will be wondering how an
MPH can date from 1929... Well it all started as a humble Riley 9, coming into
the current owner's hands as a typical 1929 Riley Nine Special in 1964 - 60
years ago.
In constant development ever since, by 1971 it was in the next
phase of its existence. Spiced up by fitting a pre-war 16hp 2 1/2 litre engine
and Nuffield 16hp gearbox, it was extensively raced in VSCC competition when
time would allow, its owner working overseas for long periods - always planning
the next step in it's development upon his return. An old-style V5 from 1996 on
file shows its Nine chassis and 2,433cc engine.
The extra weight and
significant power delivery proved a little too exciting in the Nine chassis, so
a further plan was hatched to morph the car into an MPH replica, albeit
retaining the lusty 2 1/2 litre power plant.
By the late '90s, work was
well underway with a Mike Holden replica MPH chassis on the workbench, stretched
by 4" to allow more room in the cockpit. The front axle is from a 1934
Nine while the back axle is a 1936 wide-track Riley unit with a Girling
hydraulic conversion. The steering box is also from a Nine.
The owner
fabricated an accurate fascimile ash frame which was skillfully panelled in
aluminium by Brian Martin - well-known Riley fettler. Multiple photos from this
period show the quality of the work done.
Panel 'n' Paint painted
the car which has been conceived and designed by the owner with much
attention to detail, including the lovely folding screen, aero screens and
aluminium spine down the rear.
The engine has done lots of work so it has
had several rebuilds, the most recent in 2016 when Formhalls Vintage and Racing
fitted new main bearings. The crank is from a post-war 2 1/2-litre and it has
RMF camshafts. There are multiple bills and notes on file, including a
distributor rebuild from the Distributor Doctor in 2022.
Firing up
quickly and driving nicely around the site, it is evident that it has plenty of
go, as it should with a reputed 115bhp on tap. This well-established Riley is a
Special in the very best sense of the word, offering vivid performance and
an accommodating cockpit, both aspects that an original MPH at ten times
the price can't muster. Best of all, it has looks to die
for...
Contact matthew.parkin@brightwells.com