1936 Riley Kestrel 15/6

“ There's thought to be only eight or 9 of these left in existence, this is a true opportunity. ”
Engine & rear differential re-built, with new crown wheel, wheel bearings & brakes re-lined.

Background
Built between 1935 and 1938, the Riley was known as the 12/4 in its first year and the Riley 1½-litre thereafter.

With a capacity of 1,496cc, the four-cylinder engine was fitted with either one or two Zenith carburettors depending on its factory specification, and it was so advanced it remained in production for 20 years.

The rear-wheel drive chassis was offered in three wheelbases and two widths, with each wheel being suspended via a semi-elliptic spring. Power was sent to the rear axle via a four-speed, pre-selector gearbox and Girling rod brakes proved surprisingly effective given the car’s modest 23cwt weight.

Three body styles were offered: the Kestrel fastback saloon; the Falcon saloon; and the Lynx open tourer. The Merlin arrived in 1936 and was based on the original Falcon.

Overview
This a Riley 15/6 Kestrel, a car that’s so rare it is thought that no more than eight or nine remain.

Finished in black-over-blue with a tan leather interior, it was first registered on the 31st of December 1936 by Jordan’s of Godalming in Surrey, the dealer whose plaque can still be seen on the bulkhead.

Its originality is further bolstered by the presence of its original registration number ‘DPF 336’, and it also benefits from a pleasing and slowly developing patina thanks to it never having been fully restored.

It has also been very well maintained over the past nine decades – and has the paperwork dating back to the 1980s to prove it. As you might expect, a few minor concessions have been made for life in the 21st century and these include a spin-on oil filter conversion and an electric fuel pump for the silky-smooth straight-six engine.

It’s been in the seller’s care for the past four years, during which it’s been “as sweet as a nut!” and singling out the pre-selector gearbox for praise, remarking on how easy it makes the Riley to drive.

Estimate: £18,000 - £23,000

View Current Bid Price HERE