Description
1936 Riley MPH Replica
Widely considered to be the most beautiful sports car of its era, the Riley MPH was built in extremely limited numbers by the special projects department of Riley Cars and was based on the chassis of the 1933 Grebe TT racer. The aluminium bodywork was supported on an ash frame and was very similar to both the Sprite and Imp models, variations being mainly in the wing design, length of bonnet and spare wheel mounting.
Power came from a choice of three different capacities; 1. 5, 1. 6 or 1. 7 six-cylinder twin-cam OHV engines. They all featured either twin or triple SU carburettors, developing c. 54bhp at peak revs which was sufficient for a top speed of over 90mph. Ignition was by Scintilla Vertex magneto and there was a choice of either Wilson pre-selector 4-speed or a manual non-syncro 4 speed.
Costing £550 new (three times the price of an equivalent MG), ownership was limited to a privileged few and only around 17 were made in total of which just 14 were road cars, all built to special order.
Original examples rarely come up for sale, and when they do they are very expensive! There are a couple currently offered for approaching £1/ 2 million! With so few original cars available there have been many recreations built over the years, some utilising a bespoke chassis but more frequently using Riley saloon under-pinnings. This example was commissioned by a customer on a bespoke steel chassis from the well known and respected Riley specialist and restorer Barrie Gillies. It appears the project stalled, probably due to lack of funds, and the car was purchased semi completed by the current owner in 2001. The Riley was finished later that year to an exceptionally accurate standard. Since completion it has been driven extensivelyover the years including numerous trips to Europe. There is a limited amount of paperwork with the car; some invoices and a VSCC Eligibility Document issued in 2002. The Riley remains in superb condition with gorgeous red paint, smart and comfortable red leather seats and matching red carpet. The dash has a full complement of Jaeger instrumentation, and there is a correct folding full screen with twin aero screens mounted behind. To the rear of the seats there is a useful compartment for luggage with a well fitting canvas cover. There is also a snug full tonneau cover.
The bodywork is exceptionally accurate and captures the rakish MPH’s sporting lines perfectly; the Riley is a real feast for the eye! Overall the paintwork is excellent condition, with no damage. The chrome parts and trim are all in good condition with some minor age pitting in places. The Riley radiator shell is lovely as are the red painted headlights complete with centre Riley badges. The wheels are 18” painted wires with Riley knock-off centres fitted with lightly worn Blockley tyres. There is a matching spare hidden beneath the Riley’s curvaceous tail.
Under the bonnet is a period correct 1935 Riley 1, 726cc twin cam straight six fed by twin SU carburettors with a correct six branch exhaust system. The gearbox is a Wilson pre-selector 4 speed operated from a correct column mounted stick. The engine bay is clean and presentable with no visible leaks, and the underside of the Riley is equally as smart. It has been driven regularly and is in fully working condition.
Owned for the past 23 years, always carefully garaged and well maintained, the Riley is now offered as it is time for the extensive collection to go to new owners to enjoy. Priced to sell at just 10% of the cost of a genuine MPH, but equally as fun and with the same stunning looks!
Further photographs, and a short walk round video are available by request.
