Beschreibung
OET 141 is a Riley MPH Le-Man Replica with an extraordinary pedigree: the stable-mate and parent of this car was none other than the Hector Dobbs-Riley 2ltr Offset Single Seater of Brooklands pre-war fame.
The family of our client owned the Ex-Dobb’s Riley Offset single seater from 1958 until 2008, and as with any old racing car they gathered a vast collection of spares. Enough spares to make a road car, it seemed. So the family decided to do just that, and one year in the late 1990’s when the Dobbs was stripped for a rebuild, its chassis was sent to Nick Jarvis Snr for a replica to be produced and that became the basis for OET141, which was completed in 2002.
Built using a number of Riley ex-competition department components, anyone can see that OET141 is a unique special. At its heart is a very rare Riley 2 litre 6-cylinder engine, bearing the number 15/ 2777, which came from the Dobbs Car. The silent 3rd close ratio gearbox is also ex-competition department. Our client informs me that the front axle is originally from the Dobbs Riley, and was on the car when Roy Salvadori crashed her in 1948 at the Enniskerry Hill Climb, where he shared the car with Joe Kelly. This was straightened and crack tested prior to being fitted to OET141.
The 2-litre engine was last rebuilt in 2019 and includes an ERA crank, steel rods, high compression pistons, larger works oil pump, ported head and manifold, high lift rockers, and new cams and timing gears were also fitted. Three 1 1/ 2” SU carburetors assist breathing, and it is understood to produce 100bhp at the rear wheels.
Behind the ex-works gearbox is a torque tube and rear axle banjo which have been lightened as per the original Riley competition cars. The brakes are 15” all around finished in aluminium; you really can be one of the last of the ‘late-brakes’ with these, as they are reputedly excellent. The CWP is 4. 5:1 so 21mph per 1000 rpm.
The mechanicals have been clothed in replica MPH Le Mans coachwork, and this has produced a beautiful combination of iconic MPH elegance and Riley engine potency.
Used by the family on serious long-distance rallies and road trips across Europe, OTE141 has a glorious patina fitting for the pedigree. To date, the car has not set a wheel on any track, anywhere, but it is clear to us that the potential is considerable.
As a replica of one of Riley’s most usable sports cars with an impressive and unique story to tell, OET 141 would sound stunning either in your garage, on the track, or somewhere out there on the open road.
