In Brief:

• A well kept example of a 12/4 Lynx open tourer
• Finished in Green over a Red leather interior
• 5 former keepers
• Lots of recent work completed
• Good amount of history on file

Auctioneer’s Notes:

A lovely example of a Riley 12/4 Lynx open tourer, finished in Green over a Red leather interior. Showing 5 former keepers, this charming pre-war Riley presents well with recent work being completed.

Maintenance & Condition:

Originally a 1935 car, it was restored in the early 1970s using a 1936 narrow track 12/4 chassis, number 26F4005, while retaining its pre-select gearbox. During the previous keeper’s ownership, a considerable amount of work was carried out, including the fitment of a replacement aluminium rear seat base and a new hood. The Rotax dynamo was fully rebuilt by specialist Robson & Francis, while Automotive Creation of Middlesborough undertook extensive ignition rewiring. Further works included replacement of the Hobson Telegauge with a more modern equivalent, attention to the carburettors, fitment of a Donald Sessions tracking system and full balancing of the brakes.

History:

The history file includes a Riley 1½ Litre instruction book, a copy of a Riley Owners Club magazine, the buff log book, a spare parts catalogue and a variety of supporting documentation. Also included are invoices for work completed over time, helping to evidence the care and attention this Riley has received throughout its later life.

The Model:

The Riley 12/4, known from 1936 as the Riley 1½ Litre, was produced between 1935 and 1938 and was offered in a range of saloon, touring and sporting body styles. At launch, body options included the Kestrel fastback saloon, Falcon saloon and the Lynx open tourer. Powered by Riley’s advanced 1,496cc four-cylinder 12/4 engine, the model benefited from engineering well ahead of its time, including high-mounted twin camshafts and a notably sporting character. The engine’s strength and versatility saw its development continue well beyond the pre-war years, powering later Riley models including the RMA and RME.

Sale Insight:

With its elegant Lynx open tourer coachwork, retained pre-select gearbox and extensive accompanying history file, this Riley represents an attractive opportunity to acquire a well-known and usable pre-war sporting tourer.

Estimate:
£10,000 - £12,000