Offered from the late Colin Clifford Collection
1930 Riley 9hp Brooklands Re-creation

• Faithful re-creation one of the finest pre-war sports cars
• Built using a genuine Brooklands for reference
• Completed in 1996
• Numerous rallies and runs attended

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, none more so than the rare and highly desirable Brooklands Speed Model, 110 of which were made between 1928 and 1932. The production Brooklands boasted a chassis shortened to an 8' wheelbase from the standard Nine's 8' 10.5" and was low-slung in the extreme, it being possible for the driver to touch the ground while normally seated at the wheel! Body construction varied considerably, ranging from wood-framed, steel-panelled, two-door types intended for touring, to the lightweight, door-less, alloy ones used at Le Mans. The engine differed from the standard Nine's by virtue of its water pump, high-compression pistons, different camshafts, four-branch exhaust manifold and twin carburettors, in which form it produced around 50bhp at 5,000 rpm.

The Brooklands was enthusiastically received by the British motor racing fraternity as it provided a most competitive entry into the 1,100cc sports car class (Class G), hitherto dominated by Continental makes. As well as the aforementioned 1934 team award at Le Mans, Riley Brooklands successes included various Class G world records, a class win in the RAC Tourist Trophy, an outright win at the 1932 Ulster Tourist Trophy and victory in the JCC 1,000 Miles Race and countless other events at Brooklands.

Having started life as a Monaco saloon, this faithful re-creation of one of the finest pre-war sports cars was purchased as a kit of parts, with the chassis already modified to Brooklands specification by the previous owner. Colin Clifford stripped everything back to bare metal and adapted and modified the components to exact Brooklands specification, a task facilitated by the fact that he was restoring an original Brooklands at the time. A new body was purchased and the restoration completed in 1996. The 1,087cc engine is to standard specification but incorporates some genuine Brooklands parts, while the cockpit fittings and instruments are all to original specification. Other notable features include a large-capacity fuel tank and a spare wheel (behind the seats). There are no bills as Colin did all the work himself.

Since completion the car has attended the Riley Register Rally, the Humber Bridge Classic Car Meet and numerous local rallies and runs. It is offered with an old-style logbook, some old MoT certificates, and a current V5C document.