1934 Riley Ulster TT Open Race Car

Throughout the 1930s Riley achieved much sporting success, becoming a marque to be reckoned with. In 1934, a factory-entered Riley finished 3rd at Le Mans.

Its models were named after famous races like the Brooklands and the TT (for the Tourist Trophy). They were based on Percy Riley's ground-breaking 9 four-cylinder engine - a small 1500cc high-revving powerplant that was ahead of its time in many respects. The Imp took the checkered flag at its competition debut during the 1934 Scottish Rally. An all-IMP factory contingent appeared at the 1934 Ulster Tourist Trophy, where they finished 9th, 11th, 12th, and 16th-place finishes.

At the 1934 Olympia Motor Show, Riley announced its 1935 model line, which included the company's first new 4-cylinder engine in seven years, the 1.5-liter 12/4. Along with a longer wheelbase, it also brought with it a new body style, the Falcon Saloon. Many motorists chose to modify the car into a lightweight competition roadster.

This Riley 12/4 'Ulster' is powered by a 1496cc overhead valve four-cylinder engine with twin SU carburetors and is capable of producing 75 horsepower. There is an Armstrong-Siddeley preselector gearbox and four-wheel hydraulic 'Al-Fin' drum brakes.

The car wears a cowl-mounted bronze medallion from the 1935 RAC Tourist Trophy. On the reverse side of this piece, it is inscribed with the name of Riley driver Cyril Paul.

This vehicle was campaigned in the UK pre-WWII, raced extensively in Europe post-war and, in more recent times, in vintage races in the Netherlands.

In 2003, the car was given a ground-up restoration and a year later, the car joined the collection of its current owner. In 2009, the car was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it was displayed in the pre-war, open-wheel race car class and joined the Tour d'Elegance.

In 2011, this vehicle was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction in Scottsdale, Az. where it was estimated to sell for $150,000 - $200,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $121,000 including the buyer's premium.