1928 Riley 9 Drophead Coupe with Dickey
Known to be the earliest surviving Riley 9 two-seater this charming motor car is a true delight featuring, as it does, a host of period accessories.
Supplied new on 31st March 1928 to its first owner, a Mr EFG Ball, who was to retain the car for almost 40 years. There is a photograph of the car in 1930 in Brighton. Subsequent ownership is fully documented and the car has had just 7 owners from new. She has been the subject of considerable refurbishment with the objective being to retain originality wherever possible and preserve and conserve.
The MkI featured a right-hand gear change, cone type clutch and this particular style of coachwork is believed unique to a Riley being described as a ‘Glass enclosed coach built drophead coupe’ (also referred to as an ‘all weather coupe’). The car drives faultlessly and is one of just 6 Mkl Riley 9s recorded in The Riley Register.
The period accessories include: ‘Ace’ wheel discs, Andre tubular bumpers, a Zenith petrol filter, Eastings rear passenger windscreen for the dickey seat and a radiator muff plus an Inclinometer by Smiths, which is fitted to the driver’s door, Lucas vacuum headlight dipper and an ‘Atlantic’ spotlight with rear view mirror attached and a Wilmot Calormeter.
Such timewarp motor cars from the 1920s are now incredibly rare, particularly those with a fully documented history. The only modification is the conversion to coil ignition for reliability and easy starting.
She has previously won awards at The Riley Register Coventry Rally – First in Class 1987, 1988 and 1990. This car must represent a unique opportunity for a connoisseur of this fine Coventry marque.
Included in the large history file is an extremely rare original instruction book for the Mk1 model and correct spare parts list. There is also pre-war correspondence from Riley (Coventry) Limited and numerous handwritten notes.
She has been meticulously maintained.
For initial enquiries and to arrange an appointment to view, please call us on 01420-474919 or 07710-364945
Antique
