Riley Merlin

History

Launched in 1926, the Riley Nine was one of the most successful light cars of the inter war period and was largely designed by two of the Riley brothers, Percy and Stanley. Stanley was responsible for the chassis, suspension and body, while Percy designed the engine – an innovative 1,087cc four-cylinder, twin cam, hemi-head design that was good for 60mph and 40mpg. Drive was to the rear wheels through a torque tube and spiral bevel drive rear axle mounted on semi-elliptic springs.

Various body styles were produced over the next few years including the Monaco, Biarritz and Kestrel saloons and the Lynx tourer. New for 1936 was the Merlin which had the same engine (though with a stronger crankshaft) but featured a pre-selector gearbox and a totally new and very rigid chassis frame, a new final transmission and new Girling brakes.

First registered in May 1936, this particular car was sympathetically restored some years ago and is still said to be in excellent condition today with an underside that is every bit as good as its bodywork. Looking very striking in black with a green pinstripe and matching green painted wire wheels, it has a particularly fine and original interior with excellent woodwork and beautifully patinated upholstery. The sliding fabric sunroof still works and it retains its original pull-down front sun-visor and drawstring operated rear blind. The original swiveling/dipping headlight system also functions as it should.

Enjoying show use only in recent years, it is said to drive very well and has recently benefited from new brake linings, shock absorbers, tyres and battery. Due to have a fresh MOT before the sale, it comes with a buff continuation log book from 1948, starting handle, wheel changing kit and original valuable number plate.