Description
The famous white Riley of racing driver Mrs. Ivy Stephenson
RILEY 12/ 4 Kestrel Special from 1936
A car which was built as a race car and still can be successfully raced today!
- A very well-known car with racing history in New Zealand
- Restored in excellent state and condition
- Comprehensively files and documentation
This extraordinary and excellent car belonged to New Zealand’s best racing drivers, Mrs. Ivy Stephenson, who became one of the best-known competitors in the racing era during the years ’50.
This Riley was originally a 1936 Kestrel Saloon. Just before Mr. Stephenson bought in earlier times the car had been lightened and turned into a two-seater sport carried out by R. Greenwell and J. Caulfield. Registered in 1936 and in the years '50 optimized and re-built according to the FIA 1100-1500 ccm Sports Racing regulations.
Miss Stephenson said the car was “perfect for normal road use and as a reliable racing car”
She had multiple wins in rally, trial and hill climbs and circuit. It was the “famous white Riley” at these days. With its win at the Ardmore Grand Prix in 1954 The Riley was the fastest in its class!
Equipped with a 4-cylinder 1. 5 Liter engine, fitted with 4 Amal carburettors, aluminium body, it is balanced throughout. 4-speeed Wilson preselector, sport exhaust and electrical fuel pump.
The car has unbelievable detailed files and history, full known ownership, racing photos, multiple newspaper articles and even car badges signed through Ivy herself. She was the owner of that amazing car until Mr. David Garret bought the car from her. Even he was a known racing driver and aced with that car during the years ’60 successfully in New Zealand when It has been finally sold by him in 1998.
The car has been extensively restored by a specialized restoration company in Germany between 2019 and 2020 with no costs and efforts saved. The engine has been revised through engine specialist Ritterbecks in Germany. All invoices presents. Twin cam engine with oil cooler and filter. The engine has been dismantled, cleaned, repaired and authentically rebuilt. This Riley runs great and smooth. A blast to drive!
The car has been regularly serviced and maintained and current owner invested about € 60. 000 into this car.
Just to name some works: front axles renewed, wear parts replaced, steering system renewed, brake system, axles, wire wheels, new seat shells made, new wiring harness etc.
This fantastic car can still hold its head high in modern traffic, well as give a good account of itself on the track. And that after so many years and because of the right people around who treasured and maintained her with love, passion and the right service she deserves. A car to fall in love with. Something for the real pre-war lovers who also search for the right car with race history!
This Riley is a thrill to drive and ideal for rallies and events. A real eyecatcher!
The car is registered in Germany on German oldtimer pates (H-plates)
Further details and information certainly on request!
