Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 193
1935 Riley 1½ Liter Kestrel Saloon Chassis no. 22T1724 Engine no. 375703
Estimate: US$45,000 - US$60,000
Lot 193
1935 Riley 1½ Liter Kestrel Saloon
1935 Riley 1½ Liter Kestrel Saloon
Chassis no. 22T1724
Engine no. 375703
Chassis no. 22T1724
Engine no. 375703
1,496cc Twin Cam Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front and Rear Leaf Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Charming and rare Riley Saloon
*Innovative Twin Cam engine design
*Lovely Kestrel streamline design
*One of very few surviving examples
RILEY MOTORS
Riley Motors was once one of the most respected English sporting marques, located in the heart of the British motor industry in Coventry. 1926 saw the introduction of Percy Riley's 1,087cc four-cylinder engine. It was an ingenious design, with twin gear-driven camshafts and hemispherical, cross-flow combustion chambers. 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 and enlarged to 1 ½ liters. This new Riley was aptly named the 1 ½ Liter and offered in a variety of Saloon, Coupe, Tourer and Sports bodies. The model 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.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Arguably the prettiest of all Riley 1 ½ Liter Saloons was the Kestrel, as featured 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. This lovely Kestrel wears a matured older restoration and was enjoyed as a rally car for many years by its enthusiastic prior owner. Evidence to this is proven by its entry ito 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. The radiator grille, with its mesh insert, is flanked by Rotax headlamps and a Notek fog lamp mounts centrally on the front apron.
Complimentary blue leather adorns the four-place cabin, which has a moderate patina that is consistent with the rest of this car. Instruments are a mix of period-appropriate Jaeger, Smiths, and Riley-branded pieces. 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 sophisticated engine design, fine handling, and lightweight coachwork to make this Riley 1 ½ Liter ideally suited for preparation for driving events and rallies.
Saleroom notices
Please note, the title for this vehicle will be in transit.
Additional information
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