1933 Riley Nine

The Percy Riley-designed 1087cc twin-camshaft four-cylinder engine offering nine horsepower was an outstanding engine and one of the most advanced of its day. Various versions of the engine were used to power Riley automobiles from 1926 to 1957. The Coventry manufacturer created its first six by, in effect, adding a pair of cylinders to the existing design. The result was hailed as 'The Wonder Car Plus Two'. The first models powered by the 1.6-liter six appeared in 1929, followed by a 12-horsepower, 1.5-liter version in 1933. Riley's 1,633cc, 13.5hp engine was also offered in this chassis and built in two wheelbase lengths (110.3 inches and 113.5 inches). The cars were available in a variety of bodies in different styling including the Ascot drophead coupe, Lynx tourer, March Specials, Alpine, and Kestrel and Mentone saloons.

This 1933 Riley 1.5-Liter 12/4 wears Lincock 2-seat coupe coachwork. It has a semi-elliptic suspension setup, a 4-speed gearbox, and Riley's continuous cable braking system with cam-operated shoes and 13' drums. There is a 10-gallon fuel tank and is finished in a two-tone color combination of burgundy and white with a red interior. Features include a sunshine roof, crank-out windshield, tool storage compartment, original wire wheels (with rear-mounted spare), Pyramid fire extinguisher, twin windshield wipers, step boards and wooden fascia.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Quail Lodge Sale in Carmel, CA, presented by Bonhams. The car was estimated to sell for $35,000 - $55,000. As bidding came to a close, the car failed to find a buyer willing to satisfy its reserve. It would leave the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2012

British manufacturer, Riley, produced bicycles and motorcars. The company was formed near the close of the 1890s and continued for many years. It was later merged into British Leyland which is now a trademark of BMW.

Around 1905, the first Riley motor car was created. Within a few years, Riley's other endeavors, like motorcycle production, were halted to focus on the automobile.

After World War I, Riley's efforts in motorsports increased, with their vehicles appearing in races by privateers and works cars. Appearances in hill climbs and races such as LeMans were met with moderate success. Famous drivers such as Stirling Moss would pilot a Riley during racing competition.

The Riley Nine was produced from 1926 through 1938. It had been designed by Percy and Stanley Riley; Stanley had designed the chassis and Percy designed the engine. The engine displaced 1087cc and mounted in the engine bay at a 45-degree angle sitting on a rubber bushed bar that ran through the block and attached at the rear of the gearbox.

When introduced there were two body styles to select from, a saloon called the Monaco and a four-seater tourer. A Biarritz saloon was added in 1929. Additional body styles followed in the years to come. A preselector gearbox was offered in 1934 for an additional cost.

In 1935 Riley reduced the number of body styles available to just the Monaco saloon, the Lynx four-seat tourer, and the Kestrel saloon.

The following year Riley replaced the old brakes with Girling rod-operated units. The number of available body styles was again slimmed down to just the Kestrel and Merlin saloons.

In 1938 the Riley Company was purchased by Lord Nuffield who merged it into BMC.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2007