c.1933/35 Riley Special Supercharged Single Seater

Lot details
Registration No: ADU 821
Chassis No: Not Legible
Mot Expiry: N/A

According to an accompanying VSCC Competition Car Logbook, this potent Riley Special Single-Seater was constructed between 1987 and 1989. Reportedly derived from the front sections of two Riley 12/6 Mentones (the rearmost one being inverted), the monoposto's shortened and narrowed chassis frame is reputed to possess a wheelbase akin to that of a Lagonda Rapier (8-foot 1-inch). Apparently housing a steel crankshaft and conrods, its Riley 12/4 engine is allied to a four-speed pre-selector gearbox that the late Bill Morris is rumoured to have checked over. Normally aspirated to begin with, the 1.5 litre four-cylinder unit was upgraded to forced induction in 1999. Fed by twin 2-inch SU carburettors, the Marshall / Godfrey-type supercharger sits ahead of the 'twin cam' but behind the front axle.

Further benefiting from a lightened back axle, leaf-sprung suspension, friction dampers and hydraulic drum brakes, the Special rides on sixteen-inch wire wheels. Supported by a tubular frame, much of its lightweight bodywork is held in place with Dzus fasteners. Predictably frill-free, the cockpit plays host to a bucket seat, ignition cut-off switch, steering column-mounted gear-selector quadrant and various instruments (including a 0-6000 rpm Jaegar rev counter). Indeed, the only 'luxury' evident on the car is a starter motor. Run on both petrol and methanol in the past, the single-seater will require recommissioning, not to mention the usual safety checks, before taking to the track once more. An exciting prospect, this much modified Riley is offered for sale with a continuation logbook, V5 registration document, VSCC Competition Car Logbook (issued 1989) and VSCC Eligibility Document. Though, potential purchasers are advised to make their own enquiries with the Club vis-à-vis the Special's current eligibility.