Description
Regrettably for sale to fund another project is my 1935 Riley Ulster Imp style 12/ 4 special. A highly developed, good looking and fast car with a period body from Barney Dentry’s famous ‘Ulster Brooklands’ that competed in the Australian Grand Prix in period.
Well maintained, nicely patinated and extremely competitive, this car wants for nothing. Ready and waiting for Spring and the 2026 season.
It has been continuously developed since it was built in the late 90s, and I have continued to improve it over my 10 years of ownership. Exhilarating on the road and very competitive on the track - I have won multiple class and handicap hillclimb and sprint trophies in the car, both with the VSCC and at other events.
We’re consistently at the front of the VSCC’s ultra-competitive Class 9 for hillclimbs and sprints, including being runner-up in the Speed championship in my class. The car would also be very competitive at circuit racing. It is ‘on the button’ and fully compliant with MSUK requirements. It will take you right to the front of the class.
The car is located in Chichester, UK, a stone’s throw from Goodwood, and viewing is available by appointment. The vehicle has a current V5C in my name and the car is registered as historic and ‘sports’. It has a current VSCC buff form.
I am happy facilitate export from the UK providing any potential purchaser arranges alln fees, shipping and legal matters.
Please note that this is a private sale and no warranty is implied or given. However, I will happily share relevant contacts, paperwork and provide goodwill to any new owner. Riley sports cars and the fantastic 12/ 4 engine were very successful in period, with variants winning the TT, Le Mans and closer to home at Brooklands and Donington. Today, the robust and tuneable engine design helps explain their ongoing popularity for pre-war competition work. Whilst many of the cars are to ‘TT Sprite’ configuration, representing the final hurrah of Riley’s works competition participation, this car is slightly different and sets you apart from the field.
Whilst there are cheaper 12/ 4 specials out there, to build anything remotely like this one will cost much more than the difference in price. It is far better to start with a competitive car rather than get a non-competitive car up to scratch!
Recent times and results:
• Wiscombe Park: 52. 09s
• Curborough: 40. 32s
• Prescott VSCC (short): 47. 22s
• Prescott standard (VSCC long): 57. 72s
• Shelsley: 41. 94s
• Etc etc
Key specifications and development in my ownership include:
Chassis
• Riley 9 chassis fully boxed and triangulated, to Ulster Imp specification-one of the lightest Riley 12/ 4 specials
• Lightened front axle rebuilt with Riley Register king pins and stub axles
• Jones springs to Ulster Imp specification
Body
• Tail from the famous Barney Dentry ‘Ulster Brooklands’ that competed extensively in Australia in the 1930s, including at Philip Island, and in the Australian GP 1935-38. See here for more detail: - details above
• Rest of body nicely patinated in bare aluminium
Engine:
The heart of this very special car is the ‘full fat’ Macfarlane competition engine completed in 2023, run-in and used for ~10 events since. Fully set-up on a dyno and results available. Optimised for torque and tractability.
- Specification:
• Rebored and linered block – one of the late lighter type
• Phoenix crank and re-metalled bottom end
• New Arrow rods (shells) and bespoke pistons
• Steve Hughes vernier timing gears
• Competition cams, rebuilt head, new rockers, valves, springs etc
• Rebuilt carbs and Lucas dizzy
• New exhaust
• New Sprite type water pump and rebuilt oil pump
• Full flow oil filtration
Transmission
• Close ratio silent 3rd box on 12/ 4 bellhousing with bespoke Steve Hughes ratios. Much lighter than a pre-selector! Refreshed in 2023
• Brooklands style remote
• Hydraulic clutch and lightened flywheel
Rear axle
• Modern CWP
• Recent halfshafts/ hubs
Brakes
• Modified Riley cable brakes – highly effective with lightened drums
• Hard and soft compound front shoes for circuit or road/ hillclimb use
Wheels/ tyres
Combination (by negotiation) of:
• Original Riley 19” wheels (the lightest steel rims you’ll find)
• Turrino 19” alloy rimmed wheels on new centres (2024)
• All shod with Ensign racing triple stud 450 x 19 tyres
Running equipment
• Full VSCC compliant charging system with modern alternator driven off the crank (Steve Hughes)
• Rebuilt and calibrated Jaeger chronometric mechanical tach
• Full Smiths MA/ Jaeger instruments (except Race Tech oil temp gauge)
• Full tonneau
Trailer:
• Older but very serviceable Brian James Minno with folding drawbar available by negotiation – perfect for this car
Whilst it is a highly competent road car, it isn’t really optimised for a passenger! Several years ago I had a better passenger seat base made, but this is not yet fitted. The addition of a second Brooklands screen would make it very suitable for road rallies etc. I’m happy to facilitate these works as required.
Being a special, to paraphrase Dennis Jenkinson, it will never be ‘finished’ so there is scope to put your mark on it and (perhaps) make it even better.
