Description
The Millbrook Sale | Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire
Viewing: Saturday 9th May 2026 from 12pm
Auction: Sunday 10th May 2026
Location: Millbrook Proving Ground, Station Lane, Bedford MK45 2JH
1936 Riley 9hp Special
Estimate
£14, 000 - £18, 000
Registration No: GVS 562
Chassis No: 22T1202
MOT: Exempt
Began life as a 12/ 4 22T Lynx
Extensively reworked into the current form, with an impressively engineered body and many accessories for touring
Fitted with the lauded 9hp Riley engine with twin carburettors, plus a pre-selector gearbox
Accompanied by a large and highly detailed history file
Supplied with full weather gear
Between the wars Riley crafted some of the finest small sporting cars, spanning saloons, tourers, and dedicated sports models. The marque really took off thanks to the 1926 Motor Show-exhibited Riley Nine, the main feature of which was the engine, with its twin camshafts mounted high up in the cylinder block, driving inclined valves viâ short pushrods and rockers, and fitted with hemispherical cylinder heads—a layout which responded well to further tuning. Indeed, the Thompson & Taylor team's Brooklands Nine became one of the biggest winners in British motor racing pre-war.
This pretty special was conceived in the mid-1960s by Bob Reeve of South London, a retired engineer and Riley enthusiast. Starting with a 12/ 4 (22T) Lynx chassis, Reeve shortened it by 15in. to 7ft. 9in. and started work on the the sports body, but a house move forced him to abandon the project. It was taken over by John McMichael, who collected many mechanical parts, mostly from a Riley Nine Merlin, including an engine and Armstrong pre-selector gearbox. Sadly, he died while it was in progress, and the project was completed by Chris Daniell between in 1992, with the Special Series engine being overhauled and the bodywork, trim and painting being undertaken by specialists. Mr. Daniell covered some 10, 000 miles over about ten years before a growing family forced him to sell it, and it was purchased by a long-term owner in 2002.
The new owner enjoyed the special for many years, covering 20, 000 miles or more with lots of Continental touring. It is now offered for sale by an enthusiastic collector, and is supplied with much paperwork including history and correspondence, invoices from the early 2000s, MOTs dating back to 2001, original Pre-Selectagear instructions, and a vast pile of technical writings and diagrams.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
