1935 Riley Imp

An exceptional example with Pre-War Competition History

Registration: WG 3688

Chassis Number: 6027496

Engine Number: 56020

A thoroughbred in the true sense of the term - the Riley Imp really looked the part with its long bonnet, flowing wings and short tail, making it one of the most striking and iconic sports cars of the period.

- Comprehensive history from new and in the hands of a lady owner for 46 years

- Major restoration in 2003/4 and much recent expenditure including engine rebuild

- Entered by the first owner into the 1935 Royal Scottish Automobile Club Rally

- Pre-selector gearbox

- Black with red leather upholstery and full double duck weather equipment

This Imp was first registered by Stirling County Council on 7th May 1935 to a Mr Charles Sleigh. This Imp participated in the RSAC (Royal Scottish Automobile Club) Rally in 1935, being placed 17th. Affixed to the bulkhead is a pewter finishers badge from this event.

By August 1956 this car was acquired by Mr D R Patrick and three years later she was to change hands again before being purchased in April 1964 as a 24th birthday present for Mrs Valerie Glydon. The Imp was thoroughly enjoyed and used for work and pleasure, including travelling to race meetings and trials. It was garaged alongside the lady’s husbands Vintage Bentley and was much treasured.

With additions to the family arrived, the Imp was used far less and eventually was to be loaned to the Birmingham Science Museum for a period of around 20 years.

Following this period of inactivity, the Riley Imp was to undergo a major professional restoration from the bare chassis by the highly regarded restorers Jim and Bruce Young. Over £40,000 was recorded as being spent by 2002.

Meticulous care was taken to preserve originality wherever possible and the car was re-finished in black and re-trimmed in top quality red hide and the carpets renewed.

With the restoration completed in 2004, the car attended the Riley Register Coventry Rally and also that year it was taken to Le Mans for the Register’s 70th Anniversary celebrations of the 1934 Riley successes.

In 2006, the Imp took part in the 80th anniversary of the Riley Nine celebrations at Shelsley Walsh.

More recently, this much-loved Riley Imp been undergone additional work and maintenance and is today presented in excellent all-round order.

Included with the history files are copious notes whilst in the current ownership of all service and maintenance work including additional engine work in 2016, which included balancing and fitment of Newman 'fast road' cams. Detailed information is available on request – rather too exhaustive to list here. A handbook and original spare parts list are supplied.

A rare opportunity to acquire a truly delightful, high quality Post Vintage Thoroughbred.

Having driven her ourselves for a 15-mile test run, we must say that we are extremely impressed with the car’s performance and taut handling together with precise steering – all the qualities one would expect from a Riley.

There is a video on our website.

For initial enquiries and to arrange your own video viewing, please call us on 01420-474919 or 07710-364945