Description
THIS, in my opinion, is a truly beautiful Riley Kestrel Mark 1 in the best colour scheme they ever offered which is Arianca over Sandy Beige. She is a 1966 model and, as such, has the high compression, twin-carb 1098cc engine which in this instance goes like the clappers. And I will tell you why.
Despite her incredible originality when it comes to bodywork, panels, structure and paint, a previous owner dropped a later Kestrel 1300cc unit into her. However, the chap from whom I acquired it - a founder member of the 1100/ 1300 club and still an active member today - was determined to return the old girl to its correct spec engine. And he did!
He located a NOS (new old stock) 1098 high compression unit and fitted it. See engine bay photo. Since then, the car has travelled just 200 miles and, believe me, she performs beautifully. She feels and moves like a new car.
So there we have the basic overall picture. He tells me that she has never been welded and nor does she need any. He also believes her paintwork to the original. That is quite possibly the case. He also fitted new brake and clutch master cylinders. So, while there may be a few top notch Kestrels out there, the chances are that they have been restored or else been given a fair degree of restoration. Apart from being re-united with the engine she should always have had, she is original. And that's the key. Originality.
All panels look to be original and the critical areas with these monocoque shells such as inner and outer sills, inner guards, box sections on outer guards, heel board, floor pans (still in factory paint), boot floor and rear arches are all structurally excellent. The carpet is as old as the car and so is a tad tired, although that is mainly consigned to the driver's foot well. Open the bonnet and inspect the wheel arches and outer sills and you will see the factory spot welds!
There are one or two minor imperfections which are to be expected. For example it appears that a small amount of lacquer has listed from the trailing edge of the nearside. By the way, please do not confuse my classics with modern day cars. This old girl is 54-years-old and her beauty has to be taken in proper context. I can also assist with delivery and so please ask for a quote. Thanks, Martin the details below)
