Riley 12/4 Special 1935

An appealing Special that pays homage to two of Riley's pre-WW2 greats with its Imp-like looks and Sprite-like performance, `BPP 231' began life as a 12/4 Falcon Saloon. Bodily incomplete and stripped to component form by the time Roger Needham of Bishops Stortford acquired it from Patrick Rooney of Enderby in May 1981, the Riley nevertheless retained its original engine. Accompanying invoices reveal that Mr Needham tasked respected engineer Colvin Gunn of Cut Elms Farm, Aythorpe Roding with machining the front axle, modifying the rear axle and reducing the narrow track chassis's wheelbase to 8ft. Alongside Arthur Archer, Thurston Engineering and B.J. Ashpole, Mr Gunn was also responsible for helping to overhaul / balance the 1.5 litre `twin-cam' engine. RBS Polishing nickel-plated the front axle and steering arms as part of a professional brake and suspension refurbishment, while Serck rejuvenated the radiator and Barrie Gillies supplied new manifolds (twin-carburettor inlet / four-branch exhaust). The Armstrong-Siddeley four-speed pre-selector transmission was modified to omit the traffic clutch, the heavy torque tube jettisoned and the rear axle ratio raised to 4.35:1 using a MG crownwheel and pinion. Work was still ongoing when Peter Lewis of Newnham-on-Seven purchased the Riley from Mr Needham in 1996. Fabricated by Classic Car Panels of Frome, the wings and front apron were skilfully integrated with the rest of the alloy-over-ash bodywork. Since entering the current ownership, `BPP 231' has been re-trimmed in Green leather with matching carpets. Further benefiting from a recent major service (June 2014) which saw its engine treated to an external oil filter conversion and carburettor overhaul (the twin 1.5in SUs gaining new floats / needle valves / seats) not to mention a new condenser / points / spark plugs, the two-seater also boasts new rear brake shoes and replacement front cable boots (leather). Staring readily upon inspection, this delightful `Imp' Special is offered for sale with 12/4 instruction book, 12/4 parts book, fresh MOT certificate, VSCC eligibility form and history file. - See more at: http://www.classic-auctions.com/Auctions/23-07-2014-ThePavilionGardens-1368/1935Riley124ImpSpecial-38319.aspx#sthash.SzKoPsgR.74o8lWWB.dpuf