Auction announcements
11th Nov 2014
Shipping CostsGermany: 900 EUREU: 1900 EURRest Europe: 2900 EURWorld: 3900 EUR

Riley 9 HP Brooklands Speed Model
Brooklands, England, Year of Manufacture 1928
First Registration: 1.7.1928
Vehicle Identification Number: 60/12
1.1 l Engine with 55 HP
Mileage: unknown
Colour black
Original Riley Brooklands built by Thompson & Taylor
First Owner Thompson & Taylor
FIA Pass from 2007
Winner of the Index of Performance at Le Mans Classic 2010
Aluminium Body
Rare Works Competition Riley that is an entry ticket for all major historic motorsport events
Dekra reports, detail photos and various documents for this vehicle may be requested.
Shipping cost is free if collected by buyer. Otherwise a shipping rate, in accordance with effort, will be added.
Special condition: only 10% buyer´s premium plus VAT.

The Riley Brooklands offered here is from the first series and was not only built by Thompson & Taylor directly at Brooklands motor racing circuit, it was also used for their racing team from 1928-1930.

It remained in England until 1964, and then found a new home in Arizona, USA. It stayed in the US until 1998. The Riley than traveled via England to Germany where it stayed with various owners.

Since returning to Europe, the Brooklands has participated in various motorsports events, among them are: the Mille Miglia in 2003, Monaco Historic GP, Le Mans Classic, Gran Premio Nuvolari and Goodwood to name but a few.

The car is close to its original condition, only the axles have been converted from 5 to 6 studs to mount to larger brakes.

This Brooklands is a rare Works Competition Riley and is welcome at every great historic motorsport event.

Already at its debut in 1926 the brilliantly constructed Riley "9hp" motor with its overhead camshafts and the hemispheric combustion chambers 1087 cc attracted the attention of racing driver J.G. Parry-Thomas. Together with his fellow Reid Railton he constructed a competitive racing car for the then popular 1100 cc racing class (Class G) with the racing stable of Thompson & Taylor producing a purposeful chassis. Numerous successes as generated instantly on the London circuit of Brooklands convinced Percy Riley to start production of a small series himself with the so called "9hp speed model". The frame was unique to the new model, showing a typical bend down behind the front axle and passes under the rear axle in the so-called underslung construction to ensure a low centre of gravity. The 9hp motor was been modified for the Brooklands versions with higher compression pistons, along with sharper camshafts and two horizontal SU carburettors and a quad exhaust manifold and a special oil and water pump, which was powered by the same shaft as the magneto ignition. This way the engine delivered up to 50 hp from only 1087 cc. This, by then a sensational power output, all together with the low weight (740 kg), made the car very quick and gave a sharp handling. Approximately 80 mph were promised by the factory. But hardly a Brooklands remained in factory specification; Axles and engines were tuned for example using lightweight magnesium brakes and central locking wheels, up to four carburettors were fixed, the lamps, fenders and panels were removed and the chassis was drilled everywhere to save weight. This way 100 mph and more became possible.

The racing success of the Riley Brooklands was impressive and was celebrated in the British motor press frenetically. Numerous Brooklands victories and world records in the Class G, a class-win in the RAC Tourist Trophy in 1932, victory in the Ulster Tourist Trophy and a victory in the JCC 1000 miles race in Ards are to its account. Its success culminated at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1934 ranking 2, 3, 5, 6, 12 and 13 in the overall classification, class victory in the 1.1 litre class and winning the Rudge-Whitworth Cup.

About 110 vehicles (the exact number is not known) were produced between 1927 and 1932, the first ones by Thompson & Taylor directly at the circuit of Brooklands, later ones at the works of Riley Motors in Coventry. The latter were given the chassis numbers 8001-8093. Various designs were offered: some as a pure-bred, Spartan race car with a full aluminium body without doors, equipped with removable cycle wings and small Brooklands aero screens, as well as a short pointed tail. Others were built as a sports car for the road and were fitted with a wooden substructure underneath the aluminium skin with a slightly longer tail. The latter were provided with a full windshield, long wings, doors and a foldable hood. The Riley was first named the "9hp Speed Model", then "Brooklands Speed Model" and finally just "Brooklands".

Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.