Specifications
| Engine | In-line 4-cylinder, 1496cc (see text) |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 4-speed manual |
| Body Work | Saloon |
| Colour | Black & Blue |
| Interior | Blue |
| Trim | Leather |
| Wheels | Wire-spoked |
| Brakes | Drums |
Description
Riley’s catchphrase “As Old as the Industry – As Modern as the Hour” was no small boast, with a history of building automobiles dating back almost to the dawn of motoring and a reputation subsequently founded on making cars of the highest quality. Founded by Percy Riley, the son of a successful motorcycle manufacturer, the earliest Riley car was a quadricycle developed in 1899 and saw one of the first uses of a mechanically-operated inlet valve, pre-dating even the advanced Benz motor car in pioneering this technology. Percy Riley was joined by his brothers Victor and Allan in forming the Riley Engine Company in Coventry in 1903, initially supplying their father’s firm (and others such as Singer) with engines but in 1905 branched into building motor cars with the development of a prototype powered by a v-twin motor. The first production Riley, the 17/30, was shown at the 1913 London Motor Show and the company expanded rapidly, branching into aero engines during World War One. The landmark Riley Nine was introduced in 1926, combining excellent performance and build quality in a relatively inexpensive 1100cc car. Designed by Stanley and Percy Riley, “The Wonder Car” as it was known, sold well and lasted in production until 1937. The Nine’s free-revving engine and responsiveness to tuning were its major attributes, making it a firm favourite with sporting motorists whose budgets wouldn’t stretch to the more expensive Lagondas and Bentleys. In 1929 Riley added a pair of cylinders to the Nine’s twin-cam engine to create “The Wonder Car Plus Two”, the 14hp, and this was followed by a 1.5-litre 12hp in 1933, using a stretched Nine chassis. Offered on two different wheelbase lengths, the 12/6 was catalogued with a variety of body styles, including the Ascot drophead coupe, Lynx open tourer and March special. Several closed bodies were available, including the Lincock coupe and the Alpine, Kestrel and Mentone saloons (the latter was a four-door all-metal affair offered in 1933-1934). A pre-selector gearbox was a popular option and the 12/6 proved a popular choice in the 1500cc class, particulary the TT and MPH derivatives, with drivers competing at all levels of motor sport, from grass roots club events to international races like Le Mans.
