1935 Riley 9hp Kestrel Saloon
Registration no. BVW 735 Chassis no. 6027175

Collector's Motor Cars and Automobilia, RAF Museum Hendon|21 November 2019, 14:00 GMT|Hendon, RAF Museum

1935 Riley 9hp Kestrel Saloon
Registration no. BVW 735
Chassis no. 6027175

*Early 'fastback' design
*Bodywork restored in the 1970s
*Engine rebuilt with new block circa 200 miles ago
*Blue Diamond Services bills totalling circa £20,000

Footnotes

Introduced in 1926, Percy Riley's 9hp, 1,087cc twin-camshaft 'four' was an outstanding engine design by any standards, various versions powering Rileys until 1957. Clothed in stylish bodywork by Stanley Riley, the Coventry manufacturer's pre-war offerings were among the world's finest small-capacity sporting cars. Representing Riley's last word in modernity and offered on both the four- and six-cylinder chassis, the aerodynamic fastback Kestrel saloon was an exciting addition to the range for 1933. By the time this particular example was made, the Nine had incorporated a series of further refinements that included a lower final drive ratio, coil/distributor ignition, all-helical gearbox, box-section chassis frame, wire wheels, and Hartford shock absorbers, while the ENV pre-selector 'box was an option.

A pre-selector model finished in black/green with green leather interior, this Riley Kestrel had been in the same family's ownership since the late 1950s when it was sold at Bonhams' Harrogate Sale in November 2007 (Lot 625). At that time it was stated that 'BVW 735' had undergone a bodywork restoration in the 1970s but then suffered a broken crankshaft, a failure that kept it off the road until 2000 when the engine was completely rebuilt with a new crankshaft, pistons, etc. Last used on the road in 2004, the Kestrel was said to require re-commissioning (new tyres, battery, etc) before further use.

Since the car's sale in 2007, the engine has been rebuilt around a new modern cylinder bock (the original had cracked) and the car has covered only some 200 miles since then. Cosmetically it has been left mainly untouched and has the charming patina of an older restoration. There are bills on file from renowned marque specialists Blue Diamond Services totalling circa £20,000 for works including the engine rebuild. The car also comes with numerous other invoices, five expired MoTs dating back to 2008, a V5C Registration Certificate, and a current MoT valid until July 2020.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge what is known as a Buyer's Premium. Buyer's Premium on all Automobilia lots will adhere to Bonhams group policy:
27.5% on the first £2,500 of the hammer price; 25% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £2,500 up to and including £300,000; 20% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £300,000 up to and including £3,000,000; and 13.9% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £3,000,000. This applies to each lot purchased and is subject to VAT.
For Motor Cars and Motorcycles a 15% Buyer's Premium is payable on the first £500,000 of the final Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on any amount by which the Hammer Price exceeds £500,000. VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Some lots may be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price. These lots will be clearly marked with the relevant symbol printed beside the lot number in the catalogue.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Automobilia
- Cars