1935 Riley 12/4 Kestrel
No Reserve - Current ownership for 30 years

Registration No: JB 5877
Chassis No: 22T1117
MOT: Exempt

• In Riley enthusiast ownership since 1996
• Purchased by the vendor requiring restoration
• Thereafter provided with extensive coachwork and mechanical restoration costing some £15,000
• Returned to the vendor c.10 years ago but never completed

One of the best-looking pre-war British saloons, the Riley Kestrel débuted in 1933. Boasting a ‘double dropped' chassis with inter-axle seating and ‘Aero Line' styling, the newcomer was powered by a variety of four and six-cylinder engines ranging from 9hp to 15hp. Highly capable and stylish, the 12/4 Kestrel was capable of over 70mph, with many enthusiasts preferring the Four-Light ‘22T' version over the later and heavier Six-Light model.

Offered as a stalled project, this 1935 12/4 Kestrel presents a wonderful opportunity for the enthusiastic restorer, especially with much of the hard work already completed. First registered in Berkshire on March 21st, 1935, ‘JB 5877’ has history dating back to 1959, when it was owned by Frederick Edwin Daniel of Shurdington, Gloucestershire. It was sold shortly after through the Shurdington Service Station—twice—and had a further three owners in Gloucestershire between 1961 and 1967.

By the time the present owner acquired it in 1996, it was complete but very tired. He thus embarked upon a full restoration, and after stripping the Riley down sent it to a restorer who undertook the restoration of the bodywork, including some new ash-framing, a repaint, a complete engine overhaul and general mechanical refurbishment. Some £15,000 was spent during the process, and the car was returned to the vendor circa 2016 ready for the finishing touches to be attended to, but unfortunately he never found the time, so it will be up to the new owner to take care of the interior restoration, final assembly, mechanical recommissioning, and other such small jobs as may remain. The history file contains the V5C, the 1959 buff logbook, some correspondence and photograph from halfway through the restoration.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452