Vehicle Description
Riley Motors was once one of the most respected English sporting
marques, located in the heart of the British motor industry in
Coventry. Like many pioneering automobile companies around the
world, Riley got their start in the bicycle business before trying
their hands at motorized transport in 1898. Their first efforts
amounted to small-displacement cycle cars utilizing engines
outsourced from De Dion Bouton or Motor Manufacturing Co (MMC). By
1903, Riley began making their own engines, and the vehicles
steadily grew in size and output. Riley motorcars were highly
regarded for their quality, and W.O. Bentley was counted among
owners of the 9 h.p. model. Concurrent with car production, Riley
manufactured their own wire spoke wheels which they had perfected
during their time building bicycles. Such was the quality of their
wheels that they began building them under contract for other
manufacturers, including Rolls-Royce, Panhard, Mercedes and
Hispano-Suiza among other prestigious firms. The operation was so
successful that wheel building threatened to drown out Riley's car
business altogether! To keep things afloat, a separate company was
established to handle the wheels, thus allowing automobile
production to carry on without distractions. 1926 saw the
introduction of Percy Riley's 1,087 cc nine horsepower
four-cylinder engine. It was an ingenious design, with twin
gear-driven camshafts and hemispherical, cross-flow combustion
chambers. The engine looked for all intents like an overhead cam
unit; however, the cams were mounted high in the block, operating
pushrods and rockers for the 90-degree incline valves. The engine
became a hallmark of Riley cars, with various evolutions of the
design powering Riley models through 1957, and tuned versions
motivating Donald Healey's rapid and highly successful sports cars
of the 1940s. By 1935, the original Percy Riley engine design was
reworked by Hugh Rose and enlarged to 1 � litres. This new Riley
was aptly named the 1 � Litre and offered in a variety of saloon,
coupe, tourer and sports bodies. Riley chose evocative names for
each body style such as Lynx, Ascot, Brooklands, and Stelvio.
Despite its moderate capacity, the Riley 1 � litre was a highly
capable and well-equipped sporting car. It had exceptional
performance, and such exotic features as a preselect gearbox
(sourced from Armstrong-Siddeley) and a Bijur chassis oiling
system. Rileys of the day were sophisticated performance cars built
to a very high standard of quality. The 1 � Litre became a fixture
of the marque and remained quite popular with buyers until 1938
when Lord Nuffield of Morris Motors took a controlling stake in
Riley and costs were reined-in. Arguably the prettiest of all Riley
1 � Litre saloons was the Kestrel, as featured here with this 1935
example. The Kestrel is a lovely illustration of early English
streamline design, with beautiful flowing wings and a gracefully
sweeping line from the windscreen to tail. It sits low, with a
distinctly sporting appearance thanks to the canted-back radiator
and the "fastback" roof design. This lovely Kestrel wears a matured
older restoration, enjoyed as a rally car for many years by its
enthusiastic prior owner. These are wonderful driver's cars, as
this example proved by completing the very first Colorado Grand
rally in 1989. It has a pleasing patina while remaining in
generally sound and attractive condition. The two-tone blue
paintwork highlights the features and flowing lines of the original
coachwork. The finish is in fair condition, showing some minor
checking in places, but remaining glossy and attractive. The
quality of the coachwork is a testament to the high standard to
which these cars were built. All four doors open and shut with a
solid click, and all of the panels, including the sliding sunroof,
fit very well. Brightwork is minimal, used only to highlight the
inherently pretty shape. The radiator grille, with its mesh insert,
is flanked by Rotax headlamps and a Notek fog lamp mounts centrally
on the front apron. Plating is generally good and consistent with
the age and character of the restoration, though some peeling is
noted on the radiator shell. Complimentary blue leather adorns the
four-place cabin, which has a moderate patina that is consistent
with the rest of this car. The leather is in a fair state all
around, with plenty of inviting character acquired through years of
enjoyment. Light blue carpeting has faded but is good, serviceable
and intact. Extensive interior woodwork features on the dash and
window surrounds, all presented in excellent condition. Instruments
are a mix of period-appropriate Jaeger, Smiths, and Riley-branded
pieces. The highly-advanced 1 � litre four-cylinder engine presents
in generally tidy condition and produces surprising power
considering its modest capacity. While serving as a rally and tour
car, some modern clamps, fittings, and hardware were used to
facilitate easier on-the-go service. It runs well, although some
additional sorting is recommended before embarking on any long
journeys. The chassis and suspension components are in similar
condition, showing some use but appearing in good condition. This
lovely Riley Kestrel saloon is one of just a handful of survivors.
Rare and exquisitely engineered, this motorcar presents a unique
alternative to similar capacity sports cars from MG or Alvis. The
honest and charming presentation combines with the powerful engine,
fine handling, and lightweight coachwork to make this Riley 1
�-Lire ideally suited for preparation for driving events and
rallies.