1934 Riley Nine Kestrel Streamline Saloon

For sale by auction on Saturday 30 November 2013 with Historics at Brooklands. Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit. Weybridge. Surrey. Call 01753 639170
The Riley Nine was one of the most successful light cars
produced by the British motor industry in the inter-war period
between 1926 and 1938. It was largely designed by two of the Riley
brothers. Percy and Stanley. Stanley was responsible for the
chassis. suspension and body and the older. Percy. designed the
engine. The 1087cc four-cylinder engine had hemispherical
combustion chambers with the valves inclined at 45° in a
crossflow head. To save the expense and complication of overhead
camshafts. the valves were operated by two other camshafts mounted
high in the crankcase through short pushrods and rockers. At launch
in July 1926. two body styles were available. a fabric bodied
saloon called the Monaco and a fabric four-seat tourer
with had the option of a steel panelling rather than
fabric.

After the car's 1926 launch. it was such a critically
acclaimed success that after less than a thousand cars had been
produced. the works quickly shut down side-valve production and
tooled up for the new Nine in early 1928. This switch to the main
factory coincided with several modernisations of the Mk. I - the
cone clutch was dropped. the gear lever and handbrake were moved
from the right to the centre of the car and a Riley steering box
was adopted becoming the Mk. II. The Mk. III was a gentle update of
the II at the end of 1928. evolving stronger wheels and a
different arrangement of rods to the rear brakes.

The Mk. IV was a thorough re working of the Nine - heavier
Riley-made six-stud axles replaced the bought in five-stud rod
brake items and a new cable braking system was introduced with
larger drums.

Whilst the registration documents for this Riley Nine
Kestrel Streamline Saloon; buff. green and red. describe seven
owners in total. upon closer inspection it appears that four of
these keepers are simply changes of ownership within the family.
The most recent of which following the passing of Geoff Walker. a
true enthusiast of the marque. club member and someone who
understood how to look after a vintage car whilst. at the same
time. maintaining its character. A diary of the car exists in the
history file detailing. in minute detail. the condition. br/>maintenance and thinking behind all works undertaken. The car
itself is in extremely sound condition throughout. sporting as it
does. the streamlined rear (in steel) with a large factory sunroof.
The paintwork is blue over black and. it would appear. the blue has
been refreshed some time ago but the overall
appearance is of a similar age. The interior is most
certainly original with the leatherwork showing its age. Having
said that. there are no rips or tears and could. if required. br/>continue its service for years to come. The engine is in
'oily rag' condition and fired up immediately despite the chill
November morning and having spent four months stationary. This is
an absolutely delightful example of Riley's Kestrel presented in
good order and running well.

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