1937 Riley Monza Special 2.5 Litre (FIVA) - The Dart

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At first glance this simply delightful 2-seat roadster could be mistaken for a 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C Monza but no - on offer here is a 1937 Riley Special, nicknamed Monza. We do not have a huge amount of information about the Riley’s early life apart from the fact that Riley Chassis no. 27A 6611 was bodied in 1937 as an Adelphi six-light sporting saloon and it’s powered by a 2,434cc straight-four, which also carries the engine number ‘6611’, so we assume that they have been together from new.

This is a fabulous, well engineered and extremely attractive Riley special with a powerful 2.5-litre engine and FIVA papers valid until October 2026. Purchased by our vendor from Germany and imported into the UK 2016, it was then correctly registered before being sent directly to a highly-regarded pre-war specialist where a schedule of works were agreed to make this ‘Special’ fast, reliable and suitable for some prestigious rally events in Europe. In order to compete, FIVA papers were applied for and granted in October 2016, valid for 10 years.

Suggested improvements included redesigned body mountings, custom-made larger capacity fuel tank, complete overhaul of fuel system including the carburettors and cold start choke mechanism, modify storage area behind seats for rally spares and kit, fully reupholster the interior in high-quality hide including elasticated pockets and gear lever gaiter.

Further modifications and improvements included attention to the clutch and drive train, wiring loom, improved dashboard with mounted HALDA and stopwatch, fitting stone-guards to headlamps, some adjustments and checking of braking system, engine stripped inspected and assembled with new main bearings and a sump baffle installed to prevent oil surge under braking, and a redesigned cooling system. All works are supported by detailed invoices located in the history file which also includes some photographic evidence.

Prepared to very high standards, this interesting Riley Special was entered into and successfully completed the 2016 Grand Premio Nuvolari and 2017 Terre di Canossa international classic car challenges. Our vendor speaks very fondly of the fast nimble little Riley recalling memories of easily overtaking competition-prepared Bugatti T35s on the mountain passes during these exclusive events.

Accompanying the car is a nicely fitted tonneau cover, a neat history file including German paperwork, FIVA identity card dated October 2016, current V5C UK registration paperwork ready for export or transfer, all aforementioned invoices for specialist works, images of the car on rallies, old MOT Certificates, import documents and other related paperwork.

Finished in a classic shade of Burgundy, DXU 884 is head-turningly beautiful and would be welcome in any paddock or at any stylish garden party anywhere in the world. Road-registered, MOT'd and having benefitted from some considerable recent investment, it does seem remarkable value at today's sensible guide.