Description
- Prolific record of historic rallying
- Invoices totalling £40, 000+ in restoration and and rally preparation
“Two-Carburetter High-Compression Version of the Wolseley 1500 Provides Outstanding Speed and Acceleration Combined with Good Handling Qualities and High Gear Ratios”, Bill Boddy, Motorsport Magazine, February 1958.
Although not intended as a competition car, thanks to its lightweight construction and good turn of speed, the new One-Point-Five became an effective weapon in rallying and racing. In December 1957 a team of three cars were prepared by BMC’s Competitions Department, in addition to those being worked on by private enthusiasts, with admittedly varying levels of success. The three works cars built in the winter of 1957/ 58 made their competition debut at the Monte Carlo Rally of 1958. Unfortunately, they, along with most of the other entrants, failed to finish
The 1. 5 however was successful in the new British Touring Car Championship between 1958 and 1963, debuting in 1958 at Brands Hatch, where Harold Grace scored an impressive second in class. 1958 also saw Jack Sears and Tommy Sopwith finish level on points, requiring a tie-break to achieve this. Sears beat Sopwith by four seconds in the second race, taking the duel and the title by 1. 6 seconds, thereby becoming the first BSCC champion.
First road-registered in May 1960, this charming One-Point-Five has had just four owners from new, the first until 1998. In current ownership now for over 20 years, the Riley was converted to FIVA historic rally specification in the early 2000. Previously maintained by specialist Richard Thorne Classic Cars, from 2006 care was transferred to Chris Snowden Racing. At this time a full restoration was commissioned, replacement of some body panels/ doors, engine rebuild, a bare metal repaint, undersealing and Dinitrol protection to the sills. Previously painted grey, the Riley is now refinished in two-tone light yellow and black, the cabin being trimmed in black vinyl with front Sparco racing seats and black Sabelt harnesses. In 2014 the engine was rebuilt once more; in 2016 preparation work was passed to renowned Riley specialist Peter Banham Motorsport, who have looked after “Elsie” to the present day.
The car is fitted with a roll cage and a Marshall mechanical fire system, and while the rear seats and dashboard remain in situ, the dashboard has been fitted with a selection of timers, exposed fuses, toggle switches, and a battery cut-off switch. The standard road wheels have been replaced by 14” Minilites shod with Yokohama Wdrive V903 tyres.
Affectionately named ‘Elsie’, this plucky One-Point-FIve has competed in numerous rally events including the Rally of the Tests (14 times), Three Castles, The Summer Trial, The Winter Trial, and also a number of one-day events, The Riley has finished every rally it has been entered into, the last being in November 2021. A simple, straightforward and super reliable car, this 1960 model is eligible to be entered competitively in a number of historic rallying events.
“Elsie” is offered with a large selection of spare parts, FIVA identity card, FIA papers (expired), a comprehensive file of maintenance invoices, and a number of older MOT test certificates
I purchased this February 2025
Selling 5 of my collection . Just had radiator recored 3 fin and will come with a new battery fitted. Kept in classic car storage so viewing will have to be made in advance.
Any questions please ask.
Kind regards Brian
