RESERVE LOWERED - 1936 Riley Merlin 12/4
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Highlights
• Fully undersealed
• Older restoration from 1982
• Considerate upgrades to work in modern traffic
• Runs on standard unleaded
The Background
Introduced in 1935, the Riley 12/4 - also referred to as the Riley 1 1/2 litre after 1936 - was produced by the British Riley Company for families and executives looking for a high-class, well-built method of personal transport, available with numerous coach-built body styles such as saloon, touring and sports/racing bodies.
Under the bonnet, the 12/4 was powered by a 1.5-litre inline-four engine, which featured either one or two Zenith carburettors depending on the model and configuration chosen, or even twin SU carbs in some cases.
The engine itself was also advanced for its day, featuring dual camshafts mounted high-up in the block, cross-flow heads on some models, and remained in production in various incarnations all the way up to 1955.
Underneath, the chassis for the 12/4 featured semi-elliptical leaf springs on all four corners, with the power being sent to the rear wheels either through a four-speed preselector transmission or a manual gearbox.
The History
This particular 12/4 has lived somewhat of a globe-trotting lifestyle, having been halfway across the world twice during its lifetime.
Initially exported to Australia from the factory in 1936, the history of the car is somewhat vague until the 1960’s, when it would appear it was picked up by an enthusiast who used this classic Riley regularly, which no doubt helped preserve the mechanical nature of the car.
During the early 1980’s, the car was then given a more thorough restoration by Jeff Gransden Motors of Edwardstown, culminating in 1982 and commemorated by a wooden plaque on the nearside firewall. It was then a regular sight at car shows in and around Adelaide, where the hot, dry climate preserved the car’s condition incredibly well.
Subsequently, the car was imported and registered in the UK by the current owners during 2014, and was immediately undersealed to preserve the condition of the vehicle and keep away any degradation due to the salted roads of the UK, though the vendors note the car is kept garaged throughout the year and only used during the summer months.
Whilst kept mostly original, a few considerate upgrades have been fitted to the car to enable it to work in modern traffic. These include age-sympathetic indicators which replace the traditional arms (though these are included) and a new set of period-style brake lights.
Having proven to be enjoyable, and more than able to keep up with modern traffic, it is time for this outstanding Riley to find a new home with another enthusiasts or collector which will treat it just as well as the prior owners and vendor have done so.
The Paperwork
Owing to the vendors having to carry out very little in the way of maintenance or other work on the vehicle, the history file isn’t the most extensive, and only contains invoices and documentation from during their ownership.
Of note is the import documentation being present, along with the necessary paperwork from the UK registration process, but that’s about it as far as paperwork goes.
The Interior
On the inside, the cabin of this pre-war saloon presents in outstanding condition for its age, having clearly been subject to significant attention during the restoration and fastidious care in the years since.
The bench seats in both the front and rear are in great shape, with only minor commensurate wear to the covers (which were fitted in the 80’s) resulting in a pleasing light patina, akin to that of a cherished car which is used and enjoyed, as opposed to sitting ‘stuffed’ in a garage or collection.
The art-deco wooden dashboard and door tops are believed to be original, whilst the sunroof was re-finished in brown vinyl to match the new seat covers.
The carpets are in excellent condition, whilst the white Jaeger counters are all still working as intended, as are the pre-selector gearbox, advance/ retard lever, hand throttle and indicator/lighting controls.
There are, of course, a few marks here and there - mostly commensurate light patina, in keeping with the use and mileage of the vehicle - though we do note some patches of bubbling along the rear C-pillars where the headlining is beginning to come away from the bodywork, along with a few other light marks and a notable dimple above the offside rear passenger.
The Exterior
Externally, the car is still finished in a light shade of cream and brown, which is reminiscent of the shades often used in hot climates such as Australia in order to keep heat retention to a minimum. The all-steel Merlin bodywork is in excellent condition, and shows no signs of any corrosion according to the vendor, and as far as we can see from the photographs we have been sent.
Having been kept garaged but used sparingly, there are a few minor marks here-and-there, but certainly nothing that is amiss for a vehicle of this age. The chrome bumpers, headlight surrounds and detailing all retain a high-shine, mirror-like finish, and show no sign of any major pitting that we can see.
All four wheels are in excellent condition, and were fitted with new tyres and inner tubes during 2015 with plenty of tread remaining. Two spare wheels are included, which have been painted in a matching shade of cream and have ready-tightened spokes.
The only real areas of wear that we have noted are a few clouded lenses, some minor pitting to older chrome fixtures and patina on the knock-off wheel spinners, though there is nothing here that brings down the quality of the vehicle, instead adding elements to the ‘story’ of the car.
The Mechanicals
Under the bonnet sits a single SU carburettor-fitted 1.5-litre engine, which has been fitted with a modern fuel pump (concealed under the driver’s seat) for improved usability, and - according to the vendor - there is more than enough power to keep up with modern traffic, meaning this Riley can still be used as originally intended.
Interestingly, the 12/4 was one of the first cars to be fitted with a coil ignition system rather than the traditional magnetos, with the keys turning on the ignition and the starter being of the push-button type, with the 12-volt battery being located in the boot and a cutoff switch fitted to the rear parcel shelf.
According to the vendor, the car drives superbly and the pre-selector gearbox is wonderfully easy to use once you’ve gotten used to the process of pre-selecting the next gear you require, and stamping on the floor-mounted shifter button.
There are no reported faults with the vehicle, and underside all looks to be in wonderful condition, with the dry climate of Australia having preserved the chassis well, before being undersealed upon arrival in the UK.
On account of its age, this Riley is exempt from mandatory MOT testing, and tax-free due to being registered as a historic vehicle.
The Appeal
Offering the opportunity to acquire a previously-restored Riley which remains in rude health and outstanding condition, this 1936 Riley Merlin 12/4 is an excellent way in to pre-war car ownership,.
With its ease-of-use, sympathetic modern enhancements and condition, the next owner of this gorgeous Riley can simply jump in, push the button and enjoy classic motoring in style, all summer long.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1936
- Make Riley
- Model Merlin 12/4
- Colour Cream
- Odometer 26,893 Miles
- Engine size 1496
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Nottinghamshire
- Country United Kingdom
20
bids
- cc•••• £14,250 27/07/21
- au•••• £14,000 27/07/21
- ba•••• £13,800 27/07/21
- au•••• £13,550 27/07/21
- au•••• £13,100 27/07/21
- ba•••• £12,500 27/07/21
- cc•••• £12,000 27/07/21
- au•••• £11,500 26/07/21
- ba•••• £10,500 26/07/21
- au•••• £10,000 23/07/21
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