Gordan Mandich
Vice President, Bonhams|Cars Senior Specialist
LOT 112
1936 Riley 'Big Four' Special Chassis no. 26A3791 Engine no. B1418
Sold for US$75,600 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 112
1936 Riley 'Big Four' Special
1936 Riley 'Big Four' Special
Chassis no. 26A3791
Engine no. B1418
Chassis no. 26A3791
Engine no. B1418
2,443cc OHV Inline Four-Cylinder Engine
Twin SU H6 Carburetors
140bhp at 5,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
Rigid Front Axle, Live Rear Axle
Four-Wheel Drum Brakes
*A fabulous hand-built special by Blue Diamond Riley Services
*5-time Colorado Grand veteran
*Powerful 2.5-liter Riley 'Big Four' engine
*Evocative period detailing
*VSCDA logbook
*Includes both race and road interior configuration
*A versatile sporting car for fast road, rally, or circuit use
*In single ownership since the early 1990s
THE RILEY 'BIG FOUR'
Despite producing some fine small saloons and sports cars and carving out an enviable competition record for itself during the early 1930s, Riley had lost its battle to remain independent by the decade's end and had become part of the Nuffield Organization. One of the last models introduced by the 'old firm' was the 16hp 'Big Four', which used a new and extensively redesigned 2½-liter version of the four-cylinder, twin-cam Riley engine that had first seen the light of day in 1927. The gearbox was an ingenious three-speed unit with overdrive available on 2nd and 3rd gears, giving five ratios in total, the overdrive being engaged automatically by lifting off the throttle at any speed over 40mph. Available in various saloon and drophead coupe configurations, the Riley 16 continued the firm's tradition of sophisticated style, comfort, and of course, outstanding performance. When tested by The Motor in January 1938 a Big Four Adelphi saloon achieved a top speed of around 85mph. The Big Four engine went on to a stellar career, not only powering Rileys, but also establishing the Donald Healey Motor Company as a leader in performance cars in early Post-War Britain with his Healey Silverstone and Elliott models.
THE CAR OFFERED
This marvelous Riley Special is one in a long tradition of sporting Riley-powered cars. Built from the ground up by the respected marque specialist, Blue Diamond Riley Services in Bicester, United Kingdom, this car has been in the care of a passionate marque enthusiast for over 30 years. Utilizing period-correct Riley Adelphi chassis, suspension, and drivetrain components, it embodies the spirit of the road/race special with its torpedo bodywork, cycle wings, Blockley-shod wire wheels, and integrated driver's headrest. Finished in a handsome shade of light green, it is wonderfully detailed with period appropriate parts, down to the C.A.V. headlamps, enameled Riley badges, and Jaeger instrumentation.
With its punchy, tuned 2.5-liter engine belting out upwards of 140bhp and conventional four-speed manual transmission, this car was built to be driven, and driven it was – having done the grueling 1000-mile Colorado Grand five times from 1994-1997 and again in 2000. Additionally, the owner entered it in occasional VSCDA circuit events, racking up a handful of wins in pre-war Group 1 along the way, and the car will include an accompanying logbook. To make it suitable for a wide variety of events, it includes two interior configurations – a set of supportive bucket seats for track and high-speed rallies, and flatter 'touring' seats for long-distance events and casual weekend jaunts. There is also a removable side-mount spare wheel carrier, and an area for tool stowage integrated in the scuttle.
A fabulous all-rounder with fascinating pedigree, this Riley Special has been proven time and again in one of North America's most challenging vintage rallies, and it will undoubtedly be a welcome participant in prestigious events around the world.
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