Riley Nine 4-Seat Tourer

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During the late 1920s and ‘30s, the Coventry firm of Riley produced some of the best small sporting cars in the world, whether saloons, tourers or out-and-out sports cars.

One reason was the excellent and innovative 1,087cc four-cylinder, twin cam, hemi-head design engine by Percy Riley that was good for 60mph and 40mpg, but they handed well too, thanks to the work of Stanley Riley who had a gift for chassis, suspension and body design.

As well as sporting styles, a bewildering variety of saloons appeared over the years. Using aluminium panels over an ash frame, longevity wasn't their strong suit, with many being rebodied as specials, as is the case here.

Leaving the factory in 1933, this chassis supported a Monaco saloon body and was sold to and spent many years in Ireland, its exact history for that period of its life is unknown in any further detail.

By 1996 it had returned home, though only as a rolling chassis. The current owner acquired it and spent several years refurbishing the mechanical items while designing and constructing the fabric covered four-seat Touring coachwork it still sports today. Completed and registered in 2000, it has provided many hours of happy family motoring to shows, events, weddings and for extensive touring too, both around these Isles as well as on the continent.

In generally good order throughout, with an excellent chassis, it started easily on the day of our visit and is said to drive well. Self-maintained throughout the owner’s tenure, it benefits from a recent engine rebuild with new crankshaft, rods and pistons, plus a new clutch. Only a handful of miles have been driven since.

The dashboard and green interior leatherwork are in good condition and a folding hood is also included for those less shiny days. It is only reluctantly being sold due to the changing needs and perhaps advancing years of its long-term owner.