Brooklands competition history
1928 Riley 9hp Brooklands Sports

• Owned and raced in period by Reginald Ellis Tongue
• Present family ownership since 2004
• Professionally restored between 2004 and 2006
• Campaigned extensively in VSCC events

'VM 4723', chassis number '8025', was supplied to G E O Shephard in Manchester on 17th September 1928 as verified by the Riley sales ledgers held at Gaydon. It then became the property of notable Brooklands racer and wartime pilot Reginald Tongue. Reggie Tongue competed extensively at Brooklands in cars ranging from MGs to ERAs. Between 1930 and 1933 Reggie competed extensively with the Riley, including in the 1930 London-to-Exeter Trial; 1931 Yorkshire Trial; and the 1931 London-to-Land's End Trial. In 1932 Reggie and 'VM 4723' received a premier award in the London-to-Land's End Trial. In 1933 the combination completed the legendary Land's End-to-John o'Groats Trial in a non-stop 26-hour run. Reggie's ownership is documented in High Speed Diary – The Life and Times of Reginald Ellis Tongue.

In the 1930s the car passed to Reginald Stevens of Exeter and was used primarily as a road car until the mid-1950s. In 1959 the Riley was purchased for £1,200 by Major Leigh Peffer of California, and remained in the USA until it was entered in Bonhams' prestigious Quail Lodge sale in August 2004 where it was purchased by the vendor. Returned to the UK, the car underwent a two-year ground-upwards restoration by noted Riley specialist Allen Clear and in 2006 returned to extensive competition with the Vintage Sports Car Club. The current owner and his family have used the Brooklands in the VSCC's Owner Driver Mechanic series, competing at various circuit races, autotests and trials, including many speed hill climbs. 'VM 4723' was pictured at the VSCC Sprint Start Meeting during the High Speed Trial in April 2012.

The accompanying history file contains extensive bills including those relating to the restoration by Allen Clear and the distributor conversion by the Distributor Doctor It also includes many photos of 'VM4723' being used over the years, along with some charming letters of correspondence with Reggie Tongue and his family and various owners, including the vendor, a copy of High Speed Diary – The Life and Times of Reginald Ellis Tongue as mentioned above and the current V5C Registration Certificate.

The following items are also included in the sale: Tonneau cover, bespoke indoor soft cover, original magneto, headlight and sidelight vinyl covers, original 'Rat Trap', four six-stud spoked wheels, original exhaust system, Spare half-shafts, original front axle and assorted additional spares (headlights/guards/back plates for brakes).

This wonderful Riley with its period Brooklands competition history has been extensively competed by its current owners. They would welcome seeing the car competing with its new custodian.