1931 Riley

•The ultimate ‘special’ configuration: 2.5-litre ‘Big Four’ engine

•New FIVA papers

•Recently completed the Leggenda di Bassano rally in Italy

•Superbly presented throughout

During the 1930s, Riley enjoyed a great deal of competition success that often influenced development of its production cars, and this beautifully presented special perfectly evokes those halcyon days for the marque.

From 1995 until 2018, the car was owned by a single family and competed in Vintage Sports-Car Club events. It’s based on a shortened 1931 Riley chassis, and has been fitted with a Sprite-type body that was built by Brian Martin – who used to work for Riley stalwart Barry Gillies – using measurements that were taken from an original Sprite.

Riley MPH-style wings were fitted, and the 2443cc engine from a Riley 16hp was installed. This ‘Big Four’ unit has recently been overhauled and is fitted with Alfa Romeo high-compression pistons, steel Carrillo-type conrods and a balanced crankshaft.

The specification also includes a 3.5:1 axle ratio, which allows for more relaxed high-speed cruising, and a hydraulic brake conversion has been carried out. The brakes themselves are from a Riley 12/4, as are the front and rear axles.

When the current owner bought the Riley in 2018, they embarked on a fresh round of work that included repainting it black from its previous red, having the interior retrimmed by RC Moss, fully rewiring the car, and having the wheels rebuilt. All of the invoices for this have been retained and add up to more than £25,000.

The end result is a supremely well-sorted Riley special. In 2024, the owner took it out to the Italian Dolomites, where it successfully completed the Leggenda di Bassano rally. A book of photographs documenting that adventure is part of the car’s history file, as are its current FIVA papers.

With its short chassis and robust, powerful, four-cylinder engine, this is an extremely versatile and enjoyable pre-war sports car that would be the ideal choice for a quick blast through the countryside or a long-distance rally.