LOT 264 1936 Riley Falcon 12/4 Sports
SPECIFICATION Registration
Chassis No. Engine No.
Odometer Reading Estimate
355 YUH 26F3580 26F3580 n/a
£46,000 - £55,000 Introduced in 1926 in a humble but innovatively designed fabric
bodied saloon, Percy Riley’s ground-breaking Riley 9 engine, a small capacity, high revving unit, was ahead of its time in many respects. Having hemispherical combustion chambers and inclined overhead valves, it has been called the most significant engine development of the 1920s. With twin camshafts set high in the cylinder block and valves operated by short pushrods, it provided power and efficiency without the servicing complexity of an overhead camshaft layout. It soon attracted the attention of tuners and builders of ‘specials’ intended for sporting purposes. One such was engineer/driver J.G. Parry-Thomas, who conceived the Riley ‘Brooklands’ model in his workshops at the banked Surrey circuit. After Parry-Thomas was killed during a land speed record attempt in 1927, his close collaborator Reid Railton stepped
in to finish the job. Officially backed by the Riley company, the Brooklands, along with later developments and variations such as the ‘Ulster’ Imp, MPH, and Sprite, proved some of the most successful works and privateer racing cars of the late 1920s and early 1930s. At Le Mans in 1934, Rileys finished 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th and 12th, winning the Rudge Whitworth Cup, the Team Prize, two class awards, and the Ladies’ Prize. Rileys also distinguished themselves at the Ulster TT and at Brooklands itself. After the Riley 9, the 12/4 or 1½ litre was the most popular Riley engine before the war. Launched with the famous trio of Falcon/ Kestrel/Lynx bodies, the range steadily expanded and included many custom sporting examples that continued the success the marque had enjoyed to date. This example has been the subject of much thought. With
historic racing out of the range of many people, a car with pedigree and versatility is welcome. Especially if the package comes within a sensible price range. And this does. Little is known of its period history; it is rumoured to have
competed in the Monte Carlo Rally but more importantly, it has recently been re-worked to offer reliability and performance without compromising aesthetics and comfort. It offers the best available sporting package for the all-round enthusiast capable
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Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each lot prior to the sale. Buyers are advised to inspect the car in person or use a professional to carry out this service.
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