c.1970s Veteran Riley Special
No Reserve

Registration No: AU 5536
Frame No: 2035 Not visible
Engine No: 434 (201201 on V5C)
CC: 500
MOT: Exempt

• Please Note: We now believe this '1904 Riley 31/2 HP' to be a c.1970s Veteran Riley Special
• Based upon a 1904 machine
• Purchased by the vendor in the 1970s
• Pioneer run entrant in 1979
• From a collection
• V5C present

Riley's founder William Riley remained resolutely opposed to diverting the resources of his bicycle business into motor cars. In 1903, the Riley Engine Company, also in Coventry, simply supplied engines for Riley motorcycles and also to Singer, a newly emerging motorcycle manufacturer in the area, but the Riley Engine Company soon began to focus on four-wheeled automobiles.

This is a very rare pioneer Riley that was purchased by the current vendor in the 1970s. Early history is not known of this machine until it was sold by Peet and Davis of Liverpool and sold to Mr. J E Wade in 1955. It was dismantled and ripe for restoration. Incidentally, Mr Wade worked with Riley from 1928-1936 and was an old friend of Freddie Dixon. After its restoration by Mr Wade, it changed hands to the current owner. It was used on the 1979 London to Brighton run when he was 54 years old. It has formed part of a collection of motorcycles from the turn of the century to the 1970s. Sold with a current V5C Pioneer certificate, and correspondence about the machine. Recommissioning would be advised before use.

PLEASE NOTE: We now believe this '1904 Riley 31/2 HP' to be a c.1970s Veteran Riley Special. Built by a Mr Wade in the 1970s, believed completed in 1972. This Special began as a c.1904 Riley machine before being updated with a period Vindec frame and forks. The engine is very rare in itself with perhaps only as many as 4 surviving. Some components date from the decades later than the original machine. Used on many Veteran and Vintage runs, albeit a Special, it is still a splendid machine to find and would be a most interesting acquisition as it is. It is offered with a Pioneer certificate.

For more information, please contact:
Mike Davis
mike.davis@handh.co.uk
07718 584217