Odometer reading: 2,668
MOT: Exempt


*Re-bodied as a tourer in the 1970s
*Restored in the 1990s
*Present ownership since 2017
*Maintained by Blue Diamond Services

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.
This Riley Nine was restored in the 1990s, having being re-bodied with open tourer coachwork in the early 1970s, and more recently was re-trimmed and fitted with a new hood and side screens. The current vendor purchased the Riley at a UK auction in November 2017, at which time it was reported to be in good all-round condition. During the present ownership the Riley has been serviced by marque specialists Blue Diamond Services, who last checked over the engine in August 2021, while the electrics were rewired in 2018. Finished in cream with black wings and dark blue interior, this very attractive Nine comes with a file containing sundry invoices; some old MoT certificates; a V5C registration document; and Riley Register history. Running and driving, this is sensibly priced entry-level VSCC car that is certain to provide the fortunate next owner with lots of fun.