Description
The Riley 9 remains a fantastic car and was an important model for the brand at the time. The 1, 087 cc four-cylinder engine with twin camshafts is a gem of an engine and was popular among racers for good reason. JG. Parry-Thomas was a big fan of this engine and, together with Reid Railton, developed a racing chassis in which the Riley engine could fit. As a result, Riley eventually built a small series under the name Brooklands. What was different from the standard Riley? Compared to the Riley 9, the Brooklands had, among other things, a shorter wheelbase, the engine was equipped with high compression pistons, ‘sportier’ camshafts, and twin carburettors. With only 110 units produced between 1928 and 1932, the Brooklands remains a very rare pre-war sports car.
The motorsport world took notice of this sporty Riley, and with its excellent handling, high performance, and low center of gravity, this Riley had the perfect combination to excel in the 1, 100 cc class. And excel it did. For example, the Brooklands achieved a double victory in the Ulster Tourist Trophy of 1932, and the model also won the Index of Performance at the 1934 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Rileys were converted into so-called ‘Specials’ for racing purposes in England in the 1930s and 1940s. In recent years, numerous replicas of the Brooklands model have been produced, and our example is certainly considered one of the better and most authentic.
Specialist Allen Clear manufactured this example between 2004 and 2007 using exclusively original Brooklands or modified Riley 9 parts, carefully integrated into the design. To make the unregistered Brooklands chassis suitable for road use with a license plate, a chassis number from a 1933 Riley Falcon was used.
The bodywork, with its distinctive blue finish, is made of lightweight aluminum. The car comes with authentic Brooklands steering, complete with a steering wheel featuring two adjustable levers for ignition and throttle. The dashboard is equipped with the original Rotax switch panel and contains appropriate Jaeger gauges for rpm, speed, water temperature, and oil pressure. For racing purposes, a custom-made detachable black fabric cover can be mounted on one side.
The engine was thoroughly overhauled with authentic Omega pistons fitted, improved camshafts, and essential Brooklands components such as a water pump and magneto ignition, resulting in approximately 50 hp. The original Brooklands radiator has been carefully restored, including a new honeycomb grille. The non-synchronised gearbox has also been overhauled and features the characteristic Brooklands gear lever. A new large Le Mans fuel tank, made of aluminum, has been installed, complete with the recognisable quick-fill cap with metal wings as used in race models. Furthermore, the axles, brakes, and Hartford shock absorbers have been revised. The car still rides on the original 6-hole spoke wheels with historical Blockley tires.
The Riley has been owned by the last owner since 2014 and has been used in various rallies and races. With its highly authentic details and desirable specifications, this car is a fantastic example that is excellently suited to participate in a variety of rallies and touring events.
Interested? Then please contact us. You are very welcome in Brummen!
