Lot Ended
Description
Lots of
history with all the right names involved; veteran of many VSCC
events; driven 20 miles to the sale; lovely example with
lightweight fabric body setting it out from the
crowd
'First of the superlative type of 9hp
car, firmly established, regularly improved and as yet scarcely challenged in
its class, the Riley Nine has a very definite appeal to those who can appreciate
performance, safety, comfort and an appearance out of the ruck.' - Autocar, 16th
October 1931.
Introduced in 1926, Percy Riley's
9hp, 1,087cc twin-camshaft 'four' was an outstanding engine design by any
standards, various versions powering Rileys until 1957. Clothed in stylish
bodywork by Stanley Riley, the Coventry manufacturer's pre-war offerings were
among the world's finest small-capacity sporting cars. Right from the start it
was obvious that the 9hp Riley engine possessed enormous potential as a
competition unit, and at Brooklands J G Parry-Thomas and Reid Railton were the
first to demonstrate just how good it was. The success of their racer led to a
production version, the Speed Model, which soon became known as the Brooklands
Nine.
This Nine has been owned by the current
owner for approximately 2 years after about five recorded keepers since the 50s
according to the buff logbook on file. Driven here over 20 miles in lovely
sunshine, this lovely example comes with the fabric covered body, a leather
interior and now fitted with coil ignition and a mechanical fuel pump which
makes it very easy to use.
History mostly from
2012 shows parts invoices that were required for extensive engine work
(completed by well known vintage car man, Derek Magrath) including cam shafts
from Keith Pointing and clutch, bearing etc. All followed by a proper tune up
from Jeremy Brewster. Having been used for VSCC events for many years, it does
have a number of eligibility documents on file including the most recent,
putting it in the Modified class due to its ignition and fuel
components.
Some lovely old receipts are included
from the 1950s for a new hood, repairing of wings, replaced sections of the rear
body panel.
Bidders should be advised that there
is also a complete engine, some spares and the original magneto/autovac
available from the vendor by separate negotiation.
Contact - toby.service@brightwells.com