1925 Riley Special Touring Car
Coachwork
Arguably the prettiest of the truly vintage Rileys and eligible for everything. This is one of only two survivors with original bodies. Full weather equipment. All nickel has been re-plated.
Promoted when new as “at once a sports or a luxurious closed-in all-season car……The body is beautifully streamlined, with soft and graceful curves, which give it a decidedly speedy appearance that is entirely borne out by actual performance on the road. A sloping ‘V’ screen is fitted, together with an adjustable glass rear screen, and this, in conjunction with the compact and close-lying hood, make up a strikingly handsome and refined looking car.” The Riley Special Touring Car from the Catalogue of the Car That Is As Old As The Industry
Driving
1645cc 11. 9 engine with Harry Rush ‘Ricardo head’ and three-bearing crank. Four speed gearbox and four-wheel brakes make it a very competent Tourer, extremely spacious and comfortable and well equipped with lots of pleasing features such as storage pockets and separately opening windscreens. Gear lever and pedals are in ‘the right place’, making this a vintage car that anyone can drive. Successful completion of VSCC Suffolk Tour 2023 , Hertfordshire Tour 2023 and other 200-mile-a-day trips. Driven from Hertfordshire to the Riley Register National Concours in 2022 (where I won best newcomer award).
Mechanical
Mine for the last 5 years during which time the mechanicals have been comprehensively overhauled with a freshly rebuilt engine (T&L Engineering 2022) and gearbox (James Gunn 2024). Properly re-cored radiator (CPA 2021). All receipts for this work are in the file.
Comprehensive package of spares and original literature available separately.
History
3 owners 1948-2013 one of whom was former Riley Register Chairman. Bodywork, paint, trim and weather equipment restored by previous long-term owner (a well-known Riley collector) and now have a pleasing patina. Winner Riley Register Concours 1958 (outright). Very comprehensive history file which stretches back to WW2.