1939 Riley 12HP Saloon No Reserve

Registration No: JRE 747 Chassis No: 29S8705 MOT: ExemptRare 12HP Riley, with only some 575 units produced'Intact' and 'very original' exampleIdeal candidate for 'oily rag' motoring or for full restoration, with the engine freeIn storage for several decades being unearthed in 2020After the Nuffield group took over Riley in 1938, the model range was streamlined to just the 12/4 and 16/4 engines. Each chassis offered two body styles: a 6-light 4-door Saloon with a swept tail, and a 2-door drophead Coupe. The Saloon, which had begun development before the takeover, was a clear evolution of the Adelphi body style, with some 550-575 units produced. The design featured the fashionable in-period helmet-style wings instead of the traditional Riley flowing designs. The rear doors were rear-hinged, unlike the centrally hinged doors of the Adelphi. Additionally, the rear of the car possessed a squarer design, with a larger rear quarter light and a bigger boot. This is a rare car, beginning production at the outbreak of war meant that production then stopped for the duration, with Riley introducing the RM post-war.In an 'intact' state, this rare Riley 12HP isn’t a stalled restoration or box of bits. Known to the Riley Motor Club, in the words of the vendor, ‘nothing has been done to this car and everything is still very original’. Its history is uncertain, where it began life or how many miles it's covered. We are told the Riley went into storage in the late 1960s and remained there until 2020. It was recovered by the previous owner and awaited restoration, but other projects got in the way. The engine hasn't been started in the current ownership, however, we believe the engine turns. Inside, the leather seats offer the potential for cleaning up nicely. The vendor adds, ‘all the doors, boot and bonnet open and the car rolls freely. The floors, the boot floor and the chassis all look to be sound.’ It could make a great restoration project and is offered with the V5C and a single key. For more information, please contact: Oliver Fernyhough-Martin [email protected] 07483 361000

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