Description
Welcome to the description of my Riley 1300, a car you would look at and doubtless say: "Ah, there's a really nice Riley Kestrel!" Well, no it's not. I mean, yes, it's really nice. In fact it's more than really nice. I think it's totally beautiful. A delightful, rare survivor. But, you see, it's not a Kestrel!
I'll try and do this bit as briefly as I can. The Riley version of the world famous 1100 range was launched in 1965 and only ran until June 1969 when both it and the actual Riley marque itself ceased to exist. Only 21, 000 were built during that four-year period. It was placed firmly at the top of the range when BMC badge engineering was at its most vehement. In order from the bottom upwards, they ran Austin, Morris, Wolseley, MG and Riley.
The Kestrel began life as a luxuriously appointed 1100 but then, in 1967, the 1300 model came along. There was a change yet again a year later when the 1300 Mark II was launched. But this was not a Kestrel 1275 or 1300. This was called and also badged as the Riley 1300 Mark II. And that's what we have here. Not a Kestrel; a 1300 Mark II - and barely more than 2, 000 of them were built.
Today they are as rare as those teeth of hens that we keep reading about.
And this is what the top of the range Riley 1300 Mark II had to offer. A Mini Cooper 1275cc engine offering high compression as standard with a 70 bhp. A close ratio box was also fitted. This was a sporting saloon to be reckoned with. Although it was replaced by the Austin and Morris 1300 GTs following the demise of the Riley name, many purists still believe the 1300 Mark II to be the better car. This rarely seen model even boasted that superb Riley sports steering wheel, leather bound. The 1300 GTs copied that too!
After all, they shared the same engine and running gear and this was, after all, a Riley we were talking about. You know, pre-war sporting heritage and all that! But times were changing and BMC - soon to become BL - clearly wanted garish colour schemes and go-faster striped. And so enter the "GT".
Here we have a 1300 Mark II still wearing its factory colour which I believe is either Albatross Beige or Peat according to the BMC paint chart from 1968-69. They appear to be very similar. Anyway, she wears her correct livery.
She is in super order and drives just as you would expect her to following the description and spec I have already mentioned. In fact, had she still been badged as a Kestrel, I would have said that she flies! She certainly shifts and is a joy to drive. She reads 26, 000 on the clock. I guess it could be correct although I don't actually know.
Body-wise, she's very, very good. She is really straight, paint work is pretty and the all important underside and sills are just as good. Sub-frames are very good too. She spent five years with her previous owner although most of that time she remained in the garage. So, recently she had lots of attention lavished upon her and was treated to new tyres, exhaust and manifold, rear wheel cylinders, all brake hoses, re-cored radiator, water pump and more. There's the odd tiny imperfection/ scratch etc here and there but nothing that I think detracts from the overall beauty of this resplendent Riley.
Her typically Riley interior is just lovely. The three round dials in front of the driver and that wooden dash just do it for me. And of course, your Riley driver would always want that rev counter would he not? Seats are in great order, the fitted carpets look like new and the floor pans are in body colour and strong.
She has an MoT until April 2019 even though she no longer needs one. That came with no advisories.
Remember that these old girls are motoring antiques. Practically every one of them will have been subjected to work at some time in their long lives and they are bound to need more love and attention in the future. Context is all with classic cars. Please do not run your finger over them and compare them to your wife's new Chelsea tractor! On-going work is virtually inevitable with all of them. I do not put them through a garage "test", nor do I drive them for months on end. They come in and they go out. I feel that I have become a "re-homer" of motoring antiques. They leave me with no warranty either given or implied. They are too old for that! You may spot something of which I know nothing. It happens.
I accept all major debit/ credit cards and can also assist with delivery and so please ask for a quote. Thanks, Martin the details below).
