Riley 14-6 Special "registered 111"

1930 Riley special with Brooklands Replica coachwork.

Over the last 5 years we have sold a good number of Riley specials. Some people say we have even become a leading specialist in this marque but personally I don’t fully subscribe to being a one marque specialist, but is fair to say that we have had a good number of Rileys, both specials and original factory cars through our showroom at Foxfields.

One of the things I look for when being offered any Specials, is the quality of the work undertaken and attention to detail bestowed on any particular car. If the finer details are correct then the rest of the work more often than not is also correct.   

I will abstain from calling this particular Riley special a Brooklands replica even though she resembles an original Brooklands better than some of so-called cars I have seen offered for sale over the years! The chassis is of the correct form and adorning it is a very correct looking and attractive barrel shaped replica Brooklands body, complete with ash frame and quality aluminum panel work. It also has the long front wings as seen on the 1928 Ulster trophy works cars. I must reinforce that this is a very correct and proper replica of her Coventry factory Brooklands forbears. However there is one small but noteworthy fly in the ointment that stops me making the Brooklands Replica claim. This fly is found hiding under the bonnet. From first glance, I think the six-branch exhaust manifold rather alludes to the fact that the correct 1100cc 9hp engine is not found up front. Instead, hiding in this space between the correct shaped radiator and firewall, is a rather potent Riley 14/6 engine. Anyone missing this small detail is soon made aware of the upgrade, namely when she is fired up; the deep six cylinder exhaust note is unmistakably Riley/ERA and a pleasure to all car- minded bystanders….

The barrel Brooklands shaped coachwork has the correct opening doors, which help the pilot gain easy access to the drivers cockpit which will fit an over 6ft pilot with ease! Upon entry you sit nice and low on the comfortable black leather bench seat. The driver ergonomics are nigh-on perfect for 1930 or 2015. Everything is just where you want it.  Looking at you are a pair of Jaeger instruments and the 6” rev counter very much finishes the dashboard off and looks the part; ready for the days sport. I can’t make claim as to the source of components used on this special, so I won’t. It is fair to say that the V5C says “Riley Sports” and has a date registration of 1st January 1930. The gearbox is a standard ratio silent 3rd.

During our pre-sale assessment work, I have taken the liberty of fitting indicators along with a hazard warning feature. Rather than fitting extra and unsightly front indicator lamps we have fitted a duel function LED bulb in the sidelights. This gives an orange flasher along with side lamp illumination without having to have an orange bulb on show. I have also fitted a storage shelf in the tail, which has room enough for a good touring holiday. Access to this is via the passenger compartment. A new two piece tonneau finishes off the car.