1930 Riley Nine Plus Four-Seat Tourer                       ...

Hammer

£13,393

1930 Riley Nine Plus Four-Seat Tourer
                                 
Registration Number: JI 4985
Chassis Number: 6012050
Recorded Mileage: 8,123 miles

- Sublime Riley with documented racing history 
- Meticulously restored

This fascinating 1930 Riley 9 Plus Tourer offers a remarkable glimpse into the golden age of motorsport, blending engineering excellence with a storied racing history. Originally registered in Tyrone, Northern Ireland, in January 1931, this elegant car quickly became a source of pride for its first owner, Hugh (H.A.) Delap. A distinguished engineer in Dublin’s Office of Public Works, Delap’s passion for motor racing saw him compete with this very vehicle in the Irish Motor Racing Club’s “Junior 50” race at Phoenix Park in 1932. Over subsequent years, the car became a familiar sight in Irish racing circles, taking part in numerous events and races, including a notable seventh-place finish in the 1934 Senior Race, a remarkable result given the fierce competition and the car’s stripped, racing configuration.

Throughout the 1930s, the Riley saw various owners. Having been laid up for some years, the Riley was rediscovered in 1985 by it’s prior owner, who immediately recognised its historic significance.

Enthusiastically, he embarked on a comprehensive and painstaking restoration. Everything was carefully reproduced or restoredp; an aluminium body faithfully copied from the original, wings and footwells crafted in aluminium, and original fittings and gauges meticulously rebuilt. The engine, sourced from a Riley Brooklands, was rebuilt to 1934 specification, while the drivetrain was fitted with close-ratio gears and a rear axle ratio of 5:1. The gearbox was upgraded with solid layshafts, and the entire rebuild was executed with an emphasis on authenticity and performance, ensuring that this vehicle remains true to its origins.

The radiator was rebuilt by Carlow radiators. New road springs were made by Stones Springs of Bristol, the wheels were rebuilt and powder coated. The ash frame was copied from the original by Allen Clear of Crewkerne, the original ironmongery being re-used. The fabric covering, hood and upholster were reproduced by Stephen Grundy of Preston. The original dashboard is used, instruments rebuilt by Patrick Henry. The crown wheel and pinion is 5:1 ratio (original 5.25:1 also supplied). The gearbox contains close ratio works gears i.e. a solid layshaft running in ball races as opposed to bronze bushes, drilled for lightness. This set of gears came from a works Brooklands that ran in the 1929 Irish Grand Prix.

Following the completion of the car, its maiden voyage was in 1993, for the 90th anniversary of the 1903 Gordon Bennett race.

Since restoration, the Riley has been sparingly used, mainly for shows and vintage events, yet it retains all the qualities that made it a lively racer.
Its performance spirit is evident, apparently Hugh Delap was seeing 5000rpm in top gear on the long straight at Phoenix Park, which equates to 90 mph!

During our photoshoot for the car, our vendor was keen to take a member of the Motoring team for a run, they can confirm that reaching speeds near the national limit on twisty country roads in this 95 year old racing Riley is as exhilarating as classic motoring is likely to get..!

An unrepeatable opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored, historically significant Riley that not only captures the essence of 1930s racing but also continues to inspire with its spirited performance. A rare combination of authenticity, technical pedigree, and racing heritage makes this Riley 9 Plus Tourer a truly special addition to any collection.