Description
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
9th October, 2024 13:00
1935 Riley 9HP Imp
Delightful Original Imp that has been sensibly uprated for competition work
Estimate
£70, 000 - £90, 000
Registration No: BXO 32
Chassis No: 6027484
MOT: Exempt
Subject to a full restoration in the 1980s and kept in fine running order since
Owned by the vendor since 2014, with over £20, 000 of expenditure in that period with receipts to show
Matching original chassis and engine numbers
Extensively uprated for competition work, with some 57hp on tap, as shown by the dynograph print out on file
It is no exaggeration to say that the appearance of the 1100cc 9hp Riley at the Olympia Show October 1926 revolutionised concepts of light car design - its lower build, outstanding handling and good brakes, the products of careful detail design, were matched by the strong, light and advanced engine, which developed remarkable power for its modest size, and began a chain of development that continued until well after WWII and also spawned the E. R. A. racing voiturettes, the most successful British racing cars of their time. Breathing efficiently through hemispherical combustion chambers and 45-degree overhead valves opened by short pushrods from twin high-set camshafts, the unit simply wanted to rev, and permitted a lowish rear axle ratio that in turn gave good acceleration.
The 9hp was quick to prove itself in competition and at Brooklands J G Parry-Thomas and Reid Railton were the first to put it to the test and prove its worth. The success of their racer led to a production version, the Speed Model, which soon became known as the Brooklands Nine. Numerous World Speed Records and famous class victories at Brooklands, Shelsley Walsh, RAC Tourist Trophy and Le Mans followed, while outright wins were secured at the Ulster TT and the JCC 1, 000 Miles Race at Brooklands in 1932.
The six-cylinder models also received the competition treatment and the now very desirable Brooklands and MPH were soon penned. It was however from these that Riley would develop their next 9hp four-cylinder model, the Imp, which was a direct replacement for the earlier March Special. The Imp used a short-wheelbase chassis, of 7' 6" in that swept upwards over the front axle and was under-slung at the rear - which had been used to great effect on the Brooklands. The engine was mildly revised, and twin SU carburettors were fitted with a Scintilla magneto offered as an option. The Imp was visually similar to some of the larger cars of the era in styling, being packaged so neatly that it remained incredibly well proportioned. Resultingly, it is widely considered to be one of the best looking small sports cars of the 1930's, with its flowing wings, long bonnet and short tail.
According to the buff log book on file, 'BXO 32' was first registered on the 20th May 1935. Little is known of the early history of the Riley prior to the war, however the first recorded owner was a Mr KF Rouse of Birmingham, who would own the car from 17th October 1948 to the 8th July 1977. The car was then acquired by Graham Galliers, a Shropshire businessman who was well known for his love of vintage motoring and was well known for his exploits at Shelsey Walsh. It is understood to have been restored at this stage and was noted as being White in colour with a Cream interior, although Galliers did make reference to it being Maroon originally. The Imp would later be owned by Tony Smith of Cheshire who would have the ENV Pre-selector gearbox overhauled by Bill Morris with new bands and needle roller bearings in place of the original bronze bushes and further mechanical work was performed to the oil pump and brakes.
The previous owner, who acquired the car in 2006 and lived in South-West France, immediately sent the car to Blue Diamond Services upon acquisition in 2006 for a full service and general tidying up before transporting the car back to his home. It is noted that the Riley had been completely restored over 30 years, including repainting into the original Maroon colour scheme by Ian Gladstone around 2010. The engine, which is the original unit to the chassis, was completely overhauled with Omega pistons plus renewed white metal bearings through which a now balanced crankshaft would run. The camshafts are the standard Imp items that have had no re-profiling but are no longer fitted with lag tappets which were originally fitted to the Nine engine to quieten the timing gears, minimising the backlash, but they cause drag which consumes power. The original SU caburettors were completely overhauled and the copper piping was also renewed and silver soldered. The result of all this work led to an Imp which is very usable and rather powerful in comparison to its original form.
The vendor, a member of the Riley register who was both a yacht skipper and horologist previously, acquired 'BXO 32' from a Bonhams auction in 2013 and has enjoyed displaying the car in a number of shows throughout his ownership. A large list of invoices from the likes of Blue Diamond are present within the history file and the vendor advises these have totalled over £20, 000. One particular invoice of interest was the vendor's request to change the rear axle ratio from 5. 25 to 4. 55 which he is delighted to say has 'transformed the car' due to first gear 'now actually being usable' and fourth gear providing a more relaxing touring ratio. The vendor has advised that mechanically, the Riley is an 'excellent' performer and is not afraid to use it for any occassion. The paintwork is still 'very good', although may need minute areas of fettling in areas such as a split on one of the bonnet cowlings which is merely a cosmetic issue.
A charming and very agile pre-war sports car, this 9hp Imp is a particular attractive example that has been uprated extensively and will still be very much welcomed any event whether that be sporting, as it is VSCC eligible, or to simply show.
