1935 Riley 12/4 Falcon Special

Lot details
Registration No: JN 6181
Chassis No: 26F2501
Mot Expiry: May 2008

An engineer who has spent his entire working life in the transport industry, the vendor constructed this well-executed Special between 1998 and 1999. Retaining the chassis, engine and axles from its 1935 Riley Falcon 12/4 donor, 'JN 6181' sits on a shortened 8-ft 11.25-in wheelbase. Running an increased compression ratio of 8.5:1 (thanks in part to the fitting of suitable pistons), its 1496cc four-cylinder powerplant further benefits from the following modified components: crankshaft (converted to shell bearings), camshafts (altered to 70/30) and cylinder head studs (increased in diameter from 0.375-in to 0.4375-in). Breathing via twin 1.25-in SU carburettors and a four-branch exhaust manifold, the Riley has had its overslung rear axle converted from torque-tube drive to an open propshaft so as to facilitate the installation of a four-speed manual gearbox. Fitted with a new 4.55:1 crown wheel and pinion upon completion, 'JN 6181' has since covered less than 5,000 miles.

As well as an annual outing on the Beamish Reliability Run, the Special has apparently been used for "VSCC hillclimbs at Harwood and Prescott". Finished in burgundy with matching leather upholstery and a polished aluminium bonnet, 'JN 6181' is described by the seller as being in "good overall" condition. Said to have proven "very reliable", the two-seater currently utilises an alternator, however, we understand that the accompanying dynamo is in "good order and can be refitted very easily".

Among the nicest Riley Specials we have had the pleasure of offering for sale, 'JN 6181' is accompanied by a detachable rear luggage rack, MOT certificate valid until May 2008 and historic class (free) road tax valid until June 2008.