Vendor supplied images
Video showing oil pressure at the bottom of the listing

Highlights

An older restoration remaining in very good condition
Retrimmed interior showing signs of gentle use
Stylish streamlined ‘Kestrel’ body
Rare 6 cylinder version

The Appeal

Sitting between the Nine and the 14/6, the 12/6 is a capable sporting saloon which will happily keep up with modern traffic and will do so in graceful style. The streamlined bodywork is beautifully flowing and gives the impression of a car eager for the open road.

This particular 12/6 wears a Kestrel four-door body with a sliding sunroof. It appears to be in good condition throughout, having been the subject of a restoration reportedly completed in 1997 and an earlier body restoration in the ‘50s.

It looks smart and is said to be in excellent mechanical condition, starting and driving easily. The six-cylinder, twin-cam engine revs happily and seems to be in good health.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 16th August 1934
Chassis number: 44T1705
Bodywork restored in 1952
Restoration completed in 1997
Purchased by the current owner in 2017
Two formers UK keepers according to our HPI Check
French Carte Grise de Collection in the owner's name
Reportedly serviced in July 2018 at 61 000 miles
Mileage reported to be 62,800 in January 2023
Now residing in Brittany

The Interior

Lockable doors and adjustable seats
Upholstery in good condition with a little creasing
Well stocked dashboard

Entering this Riley’s cabin is is like stepping straight back into the 1930s, with its comfortable leather seating and mahogany trimmings. It has the appeal of a gently mellowed old piece of furniture, which has been carefully passed from generation to generation.

The adjustable seats show some creases from use but appear to be free from conspicuous damage or wear. Similarly, the leather-trimmed door cards are well presented, with no scuffs. The front doors each feature two storage pockets and the rears also have a single one. Wind-up windows add to this car’s high-class appeal, a feature not seen on all sporting cars of the period. The vendor reports that the external glass of the passenger window is broken.

In front of the driver sits a reassuringly large steering wheel with hand controls for the ignition timing and the dynamo charge rate. On the dashboard, the vendor tells us that all the gauges are working, with the exception of the clock and the fuel gauge.

The windscreen and scuttle flaps can be opened for ventilation and it even features electric windscreen wipers, which are said to be in working condition but a little slow. The rear windscreen features a privacy blind and a spare is provided. We’re informed by the vendor that the rear luggage compartment is clean and tidy.

The Exterior

Body panels and paint in very good condition
Working sunroof
Streamlined ‘30s styling

The sweeping wings and raked windscreen give this Riley a sporting air, which suits its performance. Its panels are well presented and sit with good shut-lines. The rear-hinged doors allow easy entry and exit, and there is even the luxury of a sunroof for open-air motoring. This is said to function without fault.

There are a few small chips and scratches in the paint, as you would expect to see on an older restoration like this, but nothing which detracts significantly from the car’s overall appeal. The vendor also informs us of a few areas of superficial surface corrosion to be aware of.

The large headlamps suit this car perfectly and match the chrome plated radiator surround. There is a little damage to the headlamps from where the bonnet has been opened and closed, brushing past them.

Running on a set of four wire wheels and a rear-mounted spare, they give the car a sporting appeal and look like they’re in good condition. The vendor tells us that the underside of the car is free from corrosion.

The Mechanics

Powerful, overhead cam, six-cylinder engine
Twin S.U. carburettors fitted
Manual transmission

Under the long bonnet of this Riley lies the key to the marque’s continued success and popularity: its highly capable DOHC engine. This six-cylinder unit is beautifully presented with aluminium camshaft covers proudly on display.

Twin S.U. carburettors have been fitted but the vendor notes that the original Zeniths and their manifold will come with the car. We’re told that the engine starts easily, even after standing for a long time. It reportedly maintains a good oil pressure of 90-110 psi when hot. Comfortable cruising speed is 50-55 mph, although the top speed is said to be 70 mph.

The crash gearbox is in good condition, with the seller informing us that when cold it is a little noisy selecting first gear, but this noise goes away when warm. Braking is said to be good and in a straight line and the steering reportedly has no play.

Along with the spare carburettors, there are two spare transmission shafts, and a set of pistons and bearings. The vendor tells us that the car comes with a large history file detailing its servicing dating back to 1997.

Summary

A beautiful example of a streamlined ‘30s sporting saloon. It performs very well, even on today’s roads and has clearly been well looked after during the past ninety years.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.

All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.