23rd Jul, 2014 13:10
The Pavilion Gardens
1935 Riley 12/4 'Imp' Special
Estimated at £40,000 - £50,000
Lot details
Registration No: BPP 231
Chassis No: 22T1980
Mot Expiry: July 2015
An appealing Special that pays homage to two of Riley's pre-WW2 greats with its Imp-like looks and Sprite-like performance, `BPP 231' began life as a 12/4 Falcon Saloon. Bodily incomplete and stripped to component form by the time Roger Needham of Bishops Stortford acquired it from Patrick Rooney of Enderby in May 1981, the Riley nevertheless retained its original engine. Accompanying invoices reveal that Mr Needham tasked respected engineer Colvin Gunn of Cut Elms Farm, Aythorpe Roding with machining the front axle, modifying the rear axle and reducing the narrow track chassis's wheelbase to 8ft. Alongside Arthur Archer, Thurston Engineering and B.J. Ashpole, Mr Gunn was also responsible for helping to overhaul / balance the 1.5 litre `twin-cam' engine. RBS Polishing nickel-plated the front axle and steering arms as part of a professional brake and suspension refurbishment, while Serck rejuvenated the radiator and Barrie Gillies supplied new manifolds (twin-carburettor inlet / four-branch exhaust). The Armstrong-Siddeley four-speed pre-selector transmission was modified to omit the traffic clutch, the heavy torque tube jettisoned and the rear axle ratio raised to 4.35:1 using a MG crownwheel and pinion. Work was still ongoing when Peter Lewis of Newnham-on-Seven purchased the Riley from Mr Needham in 1996. Fabricated by Classic Car Panels of Frome, the wings and front apron were skilfully integrated with the rest of the alloy-over-ash bodywork. Since entering the current ownership, `BPP 231' has been re-trimmed in Green leather with matching carpets. Further benefiting from a recent major service (June 2014) which saw its engine treated to an external oil filter conversion and carburettor overhaul (the twin 1.5in SUs gaining new floats / needle valves / seats) not to mention a new condenser / points / spark plugs, the two-seater also boasts new rear brake shoes and replacement front cable boots (leather). Staring readily upon inspection, this delightful `Imp' Special is offered for sale with 12/4 instruction book, 12/4 parts book, fresh MOT certificate, VSCC eligibility form and history file.
PLEASE NOTE: The vendor informs us that whilst accelerating through the gears over the weekend he noticed some slippage as the car went into fourth gear. This was not apparent during less spirited driving but he has not had a chance to properly diagnose / remedy the issue and did not want a successful purchaser to come across it unawares.
Registration No: BPP 231
Chassis No: 22T1980
Mot Expiry: July 2015
An appealing Special that pays homage to two of Riley's pre-WW2 greats with its Imp-like looks and Sprite-like performance, `BPP 231' began life as a 12/4 Falcon Saloon. Bodily incomplete and stripped to component form by the time Roger Needham of Bishops Stortford acquired it from Patrick Rooney of Enderby in May 1981, the Riley nevertheless retained its original engine. Accompanying invoices reveal that Mr Needham tasked respected engineer Colvin Gunn of Cut Elms Farm, Aythorpe Roding with machining the front axle, modifying the rear axle and reducing the narrow track chassis's wheelbase to 8ft. Alongside Arthur Archer, Thurston Engineering and B.J. Ashpole, Mr Gunn was also responsible for helping to overhaul / balance the 1.5 litre `twin-cam' engine. RBS Polishing nickel-plated the front axle and steering arms as part of a professional brake and suspension refurbishment, while Serck rejuvenated the radiator and Barrie Gillies supplied new manifolds (twin-carburettor inlet / four-branch exhaust). The Armstrong-Siddeley four-speed pre-selector transmission was modified to omit the traffic clutch, the heavy torque tube jettisoned and the rear axle ratio raised to 4.35:1 using a MG crownwheel and pinion. Work was still ongoing when Peter Lewis of Newnham-on-Seven purchased the Riley from Mr Needham in 1996. Fabricated by Classic Car Panels of Frome, the wings and front apron were skilfully integrated with the rest of the alloy-over-ash bodywork. Since entering the current ownership, `BPP 231' has been re-trimmed in Green leather with matching carpets. Further benefiting from a recent major service (June 2014) which saw its engine treated to an external oil filter conversion and carburettor overhaul (the twin 1.5in SUs gaining new floats / needle valves / seats) not to mention a new condenser / points / spark plugs, the two-seater also boasts new rear brake shoes and replacement front cable boots (leather). Staring readily upon inspection, this delightful `Imp' Special is offered for sale with 12/4 instruction book, 12/4 parts book, fresh MOT certificate, VSCC eligibility form and history file.
PLEASE NOTE: The vendor informs us that whilst accelerating through the gears over the weekend he noticed some slippage as the car went into fourth gear. This was not apparent during less spirited driving but he has not had a chance to properly diagnose / remedy the issue and did not want a successful purchaser to come across it unawares.
Auction: The Pavilion Gardens, 23rd Jul, 2014
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:
Do you have an item to sell?
If so, contact one of our friendly specialists for your free valuation by completing the form below and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.
If you prefer to speak to humans, don't hesitate to call our office on +44 (0)1925 210035
Other lots in this sale
