1928 Riley 9 Special

Registration No: DS 8661
Chassis No: 603527
MOT: Exempt

• Self-evidently been treated to an amount of past restoration work
• Offered with spare Riley Nine engine that was overhauled by A.N. Farquhar of Leicester during October 1994 (including a skimmed cylinder head and lightened flywheel)
• Rebodied as a decidedly handsome two-seater Tourer

It is no exaggeration to say that the appearance of the 1100cc 9hp Riley at the Olympia Show October 1926 revolutionised concepts of light car design - its lower build, outstanding handling and good brakes, the products of careful detail design, were matched by the strong, light and advanced engine, which developed remarkable power for its modest size, and began a chain of development that continued until well after WWII and also spawned the E.R.A. racing voiturettes, the most successful British racing cars of their time. Breathing efficiently through hemispherical combustion chambers and 45-degree overhead valves opened by short pushrods from twin high-set camshafts, the unit simply wanted to rev, and permitted a lowish rear axle ratio that in turn gave good acceleration. The 4-speed gearbox was a joy to use. Apart from a handful of obscure, low-volume specialised sports cars, no other light car produced in similar quantities offered anything comparable.

This decidedly handsome Riley Nine Special is thought to have been commissioned by B.G. Jones Esq of Alsager who also had it re-registered with the DVLA as ‘DS 8661’ on September 1st 1990. Comprising a Vintage Riley Nine MKIII chassis powered by a later MKVI 1100cc four-cylinder twin-cam engine allied to ‘Silent Third’ four-speed manual transmission, the Two-Seater’s aluminium bodywork was mounted atop a metal / wood frame. Entering the current (now sadly deceased) ownership on November 18th 1990 and issued with a ‘buff form’ by the Vintage Sports Car Club the following month, ‘DS 8661’ rides on 19-inch wire wheels and is accompanied by a spare Riley Nine engine that was overhauled by A.N. Farquhar of Leicester during October 1994 (including a skimmed cylinder head and lightened flywheel). Unused in recent years, the Special will require recommissioning prior to road use but is seemingly substantially complete. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and sundry paperwork.

For more information, please contact:
James McWilliam
james.mcwilliam@handh.co.uk
07943 584760