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1940 Riley 16/ 4 Kestrel - the last Kestrel ever built
A highly competent motor car which is able to hold its own in modern traffic, with a comfortable cruising gait 70 mph. The performance of this model was exceptional for the period being capable of well over 90mph. In 1938, Reid Railton proved that a Kestrel 16/ 4 was able to cover 100 miles in the hour at Brooklands – a creditable performance indeed for a car of 2. 5 litres
This car is the last Kestrel to be produced in the Riley factory and is well documented and illustrated in Vernon Barker's book on the 16/ 4 Rileys.
Detailed files supplied provide extensive correspondence between a previous owner and Vernon discussing its provenance.
A full account of its first restoration appears in Riley Register Bulletins.
A professional rebuild of the body undertaken between 2012-13 by SVW restorations
The body frame and floor pan were completely replaced. There are a large number of photographs detailing this restoration. The car was reassembled, trimmed and rewired, then returned to the road in April 2014, since when almost 10, 000 miles have been covered. It is thought that approximately 20 "Nuffield" Kestrels were produced. It is believed that 3 survive with original coachwork, of which 2 are roadworthy.
This car is thought to have a prototype engine that went on to be used in the 2. 5 Litre ‘RM’ series of cars. As such it has a standard Nuffield gearbox and a short prop shaft. In this respect it is unique. This makes it much easier to work on and to source mechanical parts.
She retains her original Coventry registration number. There is a video on our website.
To arrange your appointment to view please do call us or email
