Description
One of my all-time favourites. Presented in fabulous Florida Green with Green leather interior, this largely original Riley has just arrived at Shore Classics and it`s a little cracker. In the hands of just one family until 2021, the car has a remarkable back-story having been laid-up for over 40 years prior. Now substantially recommissioned, the Riley has since covered over 8, 000 miles and genuinely drives better than ever. Whilst offering scope for cosmetic improvement, this little car is all about originality and in our belief, would make a brilliant daily driver. Come and fight me for the keys before I decide to keep it!
Launched in November 1957, the sporting Riley One Point Five and more sedate Wolseley 1500, were small upmarket 4-door saloons based on the Morris Minor floor-pan, suspension and steering albeit fitted with a B-Series 1489cc engine linked to an MG Magnette gearbox. Both models boasted comfortable interiors with walnut veneer dashes and leather seats (optional on the Wolseley), whilst externally, the Gerald Palmer designed coachwork (his last before heading off to Vauxhall) was laden with chrome and stainless-steel trim. Mechanically, the Riley came with a sportier head and twin SU carburettors boosting power to a heady 68bhp, some 18bhp up on its twin. Production ran for 8 years through three subtle reincarnations with almost 40, 000 examples being built. Of these, only around 350 are today registered on UK roads making what was once a common sight now something to savour.
Our Riley was sold new in July 1964 making it one of the last Mk. 3 cars to be built (chassis number 9042). It was supplied through Windsors of Wallasey to a Mr. Burt of Wimborne, Dorset who evidently cherished and enjoyed the car covering some 80, 000 miles over the next 15 years. We sadly know little of it`s maintenance history over this period but are informed that the car was repainted (in it`s original Florida Green cellulose) in 1977. Just 2 years later, Mr. Burt was taken ill and died rather suddenly at which point, his widow, who didn`t drive, effectively moth-balled the Riley in the garage adjoining the house. Gathering dust and succumbing to the odd scratch as typical garage paraphernalia came and went, the Riley was to remain in static hibernation for some 42 years. It is apparent that amateur attempts were made from time to time to touch-up the odd blemish but the car didn`t turn a wheel until the house were eventually sold in the Summer of 2021. From what we are told, a builder who came to undertake work on the house bought the car as a non-runner and effective “garage-find” and immediately listed it for sale. It was snapped up by a serial Riley enthusiast in Lincolnshire who, whilst wanting to retain the originality, also wanted to recommission the car mechanically to a stage it could be used as reliable transport on almost a daily basis. Along with a local Riley specialist, our new keeper went through the car mechanically replacing the entire braking system and clutch whilst typical ignition parts were replaced and electrical systems checked over. Back on the road in the Autumn of that year, the Riley became the car of choice for a whole host of motoring-related trips covering around 8, 000 miles to January this year. Indeed, both car and owner have been featured on the hit documentary series, “Bangers and Cash”, with the owner attending the auction to bid on a 1935 Riley Falcon (Series 8, Episode 4). Successful purchase of this very car has meant that with some reluctance, the One Point Five has had to find a new home. We subsequently acquired it and other than a good polish, have just relished the Riley for what it is. A sporting saloon with bags of character!
The car today presents just as the photographs show. Original panel-work is generally very good and whilst the older repaint has stood-up remarkably well, it does display numerous touch-ins especially across the front wings and along the driver`s side as well as a couple of areas of flaky paint. That said, the cellulose paintwork polishes up beautifully and the eye-catching Florida Green colour looks absolutely fantastic in the sunshine. All chrome and stainless-steel trim is original as is glass and screen rubbers and whilst all show some age, they are condition commensurate with the overall look of the car. If you are seeking a freshly restored, repainted and re-chromed example with show-winning potential, this isn`t it. But if you are seeking a mechanically sorted survivor with a wonderful back-story that can be immediately enjoyed and still catches the eye, this could be it. The same story continues inside with mid-Green leather trim showing evidence of light wear, a tidy wooden dashboard and full range of working instruments. Carpets to both front and rear are somewhat worn and ideally would be replaced. But like the paintwork, this is all subjective and very much dependent upon the ultimate direction of the car. It is perfectly serviceable as is.
Turn the key and pull the starter and that B Series fires instantly settling down off-choke to a gentle tick-over. On the road, the Riley is an absolute joy with eager acceleration, precise gearchanges from the close-ratio `box and pin-sharp steering. More than capable of keeping up with modern traffic, it really could be used and enjoyed on a daily basis and encourages spirited driving. Having driven a handful of One Point Fives in the last couple of years, I can genuinely confirm that this one is an absolute flier! Come and experience it for yourself - it doesn`t disappoint on any level.
The Riley comes with it`s original blue V5 issued in 1979 as a replacement for the former buff logbook and a current V5C confirming just 2 former keepers. Classed as Historic, the car is naturally both MoT and road-tax exempt.
A stunning little car with a lovely story. Great value too.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
Deposit now taken.
