Please do not confuse this car with the usual offerings, it is a veritable Museum showpiece! Benefits from a full, uncompromising rebuild from the body frame up, resulting in flawless bodywork, polished burr walnut interior woodwork and acres of sumptuous leather, all of which remain unmarked and in perfect condition.
Fully documented provenance accompanies the car, with details of expenditure, including servicing, maintenance and even an engine rebuild including re-grinding the crankshaft, new pistons, new liners and re-metalled big end bearings.
To recap, the Riley returned to the UK from Gibraltar around five years ago. It was checked over and inspected and the chassis and underside found to be in solid, strong condition. The body was also particularly nice, but did require re-painting. The wood frame was in a poor state and the interior very tired. At this point a major programme of works was inaugurated with no expense spared.
Through the Riley owners club a new ash frame was acquired, the body was substantially taken apart and all rotten woodwork cut out and replaced with new. The paintwork was stripped back and on build-up the car was treated to a full Concours paintjob in Sherwood Green Metallic. Bumpers, light surrounds and handles were all re-chromed and the car was treated to a new vinyl roof. The interior was completely stripped out and all woodwork dismantled and sent for re-veneering and polishing. The interior was expertly re-trimmed with new leather upholstery, brand new headlining and new carpets. The engine bay was nicely detailed and the boot fitted with a carpet, brake system fully overhauled. Flashing indicators and hazard warning lights tastefully incorporated. The cost of replicating all these improvements today far exceeds current asking price.
Understandably the car drives perfectly and silently with plenty of grunt from the 2.5 litre engine. It is hard to believe a better example exists and the most pedantic buyer will not be disappointed. To learn more about this very special Riley, call or text John on 07909 231414 (anytime) Car located in Lytham st Annes in Lancashire, transport arranged at only £1 pr/mile (one way only charged) See my other British classics for sale on here.
Vehicle History
The car was first registered on the 4th April 1951 and from the two ‘buff’ logbooks we know the car has always been Green. The Riley was supplied new to Always Welding Construction Ltd, Ashe Works, Aldershot. The Limited Company owned the Riley for two years, changing hands in 1953 to Mr G H J Elliott, also in Aldershot. Records show the car changing hands and moving around the UK, spending time in Hampshire, Middlesex, Glamorgan, Gloucester and by the mid 1970’s Glasgow. From the late 1970’s the Riley had one owner in Scotland for over twenty years and MOT’s and invoices are with the car throughout the 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s. In the late 1990’s the Riley was taken off the road and eventually made its way to Gibraltar. The Riley was in the hands of a true enthusiast, then in his 80’s, and with a large collection of classic vehicles. The plan was to sympathetically restore the vehicle, but this didn’t come to fruition and it passed to a UK owner. Subsequently it was purchased by a discerning marque enthusiast living in Germany from whom it has just been repatriated. Now back home in the UK for a new owner to enjoy.
