Descrizione
EMERGING today from the cavern of cool cars that is Martin Howey Classics (Est. 25 years) is a 1961 Riley One Point Five. An all-time favourite of mine, this iconic compact sports saloon was a huge hit with the family man who wanted more umph from his 4-soor saloon. The Riley's cousin, the Wolseley 1500, was not for him. Not with its single carb and slightly more conservative dashboard and fittings. The gentleman in the tweed sports jacket, cravat, slacks and string-back driving gloves wanted the twin-carb version. The one made by Riley with all their sporting history. This was the car for him. That delightful Riley chrome radiator grille and the superbly arranged three clocks (including rev counter) directly in front of the driver. Yes, the Riley One Point Five was pure 1960s trendy!
This lovely example in correct spec Cumberland Green is a real eyeful. Quite clearly much loved too. Very pretty panel and paintwork and a super two-tone green interior, wooden dash and headlining. Even the door cards remain in excellent condition. She performs well showing excellent oil pressure. Her engine bay is clean and in body colour while the boot floor/ spare wheel well is in remarkably good order and, likewise, in body colour. Her underside looks strong with excellent floor pans, central crossmember, rear spring hangers etc. One small area towards the front of the driver's door reveals the very bottom outer lip coming away from the inner sill but the rest looks decent and a simply fabricated repair would probably do the trick. My prices being what they are - surely now recognised after all these years as being amongst the very best in the country - was to be £6500 and even that would have been incredibly reasonable for one of these Rileys in such good order. But I've opted for £5995 and that takes into account what I have just mentioned. It does not detract from the vehicle's overall beauty and solidity. There is so much to admire about this car. And what is more, the highly sought after model is not the easiest classic car to get your mitts on!
This description is based on my opinion of the vehicle, the paperwork that comes with the car and anything I have been told about it. The vehicle is 62-years-old and this cannot be taken as a definitive statement for obvious reasons. As with most classic cars, there may be faults and quirks whilst, almost inevitably, some degree of tinkering and care will always be called for. Such are the joys of owning an antique vehicle and they must be taken within their own context and not compared to modern day cars. They are sold as old, mainly out-dated machines and come without any comeback whatsoever. They are my terms and conditions.
My classic cars are motoring antiques. This car, for example, is 62-years-old. It's not two, five or even ten-years-old as your own everyday car may be. It has been in service for more than half a century and so will have quirks and faults in there somewhere. However, faults on these old girls are not always apparent when buying and selling classics which is what I do. I do not restore them, nor do I pretend that they are concours cars. The majority of them go out as they came in, and I continue to enjoy finding more - a skill which is becoming increasingly difficult as many of you will be aware. They deserve to be taken on as "family pets" and cared for through thick and then. They don't make them any more and demand now out-strips supply. Please bear all this in mind, and enjoy your classic car. I can also assist with delivery and so please ask for a quote.
I have now been established as a one-man band classic car dealer for 25 years and pride myself on my buying prowess and - due to small margins - my prices which I firmly believe are up there among the very best in the UK classic car marketplace.
Thanks, Martin. the details below.
