1936 Riley 12/4 Sports Special

Riley is a name steeped in the history of legendary sporting road cars, boasting a legacy of triumphs in competition, rivalling esteemed marques like Bentley, Aston Martin, and HRG. The 12/4 was first unveiled at the 1934 Olympia Motor Show and continued the success of its predecessor, the Nine, by harnessing the power of an outstanding Percy Riley-designed twin-cam engine. The enlargement to 1.5-litres and ingenious modification resulted in a remarkable 51bhp output, granting the 12/4 a top speed exceeding 70mph – an impressive feat within its class. The model was offered with three distinctive body options: the sleek and streamlined Kestrel, the upright Falcon saloon, and the open-top Lynx, paired with a choice of a standard manual or a pre-selector gearbox.

In 1936, the 12/4 was rebranded as the 1½-Litre, and its highly tuneable power unit continued in production until 1955, when the RME model met its end. This incredible 12/4 Special, a testament to Riley expertise, was crafted by the renowned specialist Keith Pointing in the late 1990s to early 2000s. Configured as a hill-climb special/VSCC competition racer, it showcases a bespoke, lightweight aluminium body, finished in a striking red hue, displaying a few character marks that add to its charm. Inside, the car's interior is remarkably pretty yet purposeful with its Jaeger instruments and metal panelling.

At the heart of this racing marvel is its 1½--litre engine, featuring twin camshafts set at an innovative 45-degree angle, coupled with a crossflow head. The engine's power has been further enhanced by a Stage Two cylinder head upgrade, complemented by an ENV pre-selector gearbox that ensures seamless and quick gear changes. Having participated in numerous prestigious events across the Continent including Angoulême and Pau, this extraordinary machine has gathered an impressive collection of silverware and proudly exhibits some of its race entry stickers. Its impeccable condition and well-documented history, chronicling its journey from inception to victory make it a truly unique and cherished piece of automotive history.

Always under the ownership of dedicated enthusiasts, the car has been cherished and maintained with precision with a plethora of bills for parts and invoices for work undertaken since its transformation into the hill-limb special. Most recently, completed on 18/07/23, £7,500 has been spent with Riley specialists Blue Diamond for a front-to-back mechanical rejuvenation where required to ensure the car is mechanically excellent for sale. The car's extensive history file stands as a testament to its impeccable provenance, accompanied by VSCC papers, preserving its pedigree and authenticity. The file is replete with captivating photographs capturing its transformation, press cuttings, racing and rally participation records, old MOTs and tax discs, and race reports highlighting its illustrious past. A tonneau cover and spare cylinder head are included.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a very fast Riley, backed by the reputable Keith Pointing name and with significant recent investment, offering a chance to continue its legacy and bring home more trophies.