Riley Nine Ultra Saloon

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The Riley company motto, ‘As old as the industry – as modern as the hour’ summed up the product range very nicely.

Their masterstroke came in 1926 when the new Nine was announced. The chassis, suspension and bodywork were the work of Stanley Riley, while the hugely talented Percy Riley designed the brilliant little 9hp engine.

At first it was only available as a fabric-bodied saloon, but all-steel bodies were soon to follow, although these lost some of the sprightly nature of the lightweight originals which could cruise at 60mph with up to 40mpg economy.

The peppy 1087cc engine thrived on high revs, its twin-camshafts mounted high in the block, making for short and light pushrods. These operated valves set at 45 degrees to the head which gave a very efficient crossflow layout, allowing prodigious power outputs to be extracted from this willing unit. Also of interest was the clever use of a continuous brake cable that not only allowed adjustment from the driving seat, but also gave an equal pull at each wheel, ensuring the brakes we always in balance.

From 1931, the fuel tank was moved to the rear of the car and the chassis itself was lowered, the new ‘drop chassis’ model being called the ‘Ultra’  which also sported a pair of Zenith carburettors.

This well sorted 1931 Ultra was the subject of a major restoration in the early 1990s. The A and B posts of its Weymann fabric covered body were replaced as witnessed by the accompanying photographic record. The headlining was replaced as was the blue fabric skin of the bodywork, the vendor reporting that it still carries its original Weymann patent plate and is remarkably rattle and shake free.

Further bills from Longstone Tyres and Blue Diamond Services show that it has been well cared for and it is only the prospect of a new, exciting project on the horizon that has prompted its inclusion into the sale.

These extremely usable cars are very effective on the road, especially when fitted with lightweight fabric coachwork, and have an endless supply of spares as well as a very active club scene. This nice Nine Ultra would make an ideal first foray into pre-war car ownership.