
Toby Wilson
Head of Department
LOT 433
Property of a deceased's estate 1929 Riley 9hp Mk IV Tourer Registration no. GE 6853 Chassis no. 606287
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 marque's pre-war offerings were among the world's finest small-capacity sporting cars. Right from the start it was obvious that the 9hp Riley engine possessed enormous potential as a competition unit, and at Brooklands J G Parry-Thomas and Reid Railton were the first to demonstrate just how good it was. The success of their racer led to a production version, the Speed Model, which would turn out to be merely the first in a lengthy series of memorable Riley sports cars. 1929 saw the introduction of the Mark IV chassis featuring wider front/rear track and much larger brakes than hitherto.
This 9hp Riley was purchased by the lady vendor's late husband in 1967 from Graham Sands, who had been gifted the car as a 21st birthday present. Dismantled when acquired, the Riley was restored and back on the road in 1990, since when it has been enthusiastically campaigned. Taken off the road to fit twin SU carburettors in 2018, it has not been used since. The Riley was re-commissioned recently by Russ Hennesy of Tenbury Wells and is running and driving well. The charming Riley Nine tourer is offered with restoration bills and photographs, handbooks, an old-style logbook and a V5C document.
Vendor Score Total: 75 /100
Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.
Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well
EXTERIOR TOTAL: 16 /25
Body Work: 4
Paint: 3
Glass: 3
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 3
Wheels/Tyres: 3
RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 16 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 4
Axles: 4
Suspension: 4
Brakes: 4
INTERIOR TOTAL: 16 /20
Seats: 4
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 4
Headlining: 4
Trim: 4
ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 8 /10
Main components: 4
Ancillary components: 4
ENGINE TOTAL: 16 /20
Starting: 4
Running: 4
Under Bonnet: 4
Mechanical components: 4
Car History File: 3
Please note the Riley is running on Zenith carburettors, not SU as photographed. The headlights have painted bezels not nickel as photographed.







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