Registration No: GK 4244 Chassis No: 8074 MOT: ExemptA very exciting stalled restoration projectCurrent (sadly deceased) ownership since 1967Said to still retain many original Brooklands partsMuch hard work already donePotentially eligible for numerous VSCC events once completedIn 1926, Percy Riley introduced the 1087cc 9hp four-cylinder engine. It was an ingenious design, with twin gear-driven camshafts and hemispherical, cross-flow combustion chambers. The engine looked for all intents like an overhead-cam unit, however, the cams were mounted high in the block, operating pushrods and rockers for the 90-degree incline valves. The engine became a hallmark of Riley cars. The Riley 9 chassis was offered in many styles and equipment, including a very striking closed sports Sedan, fabric-bodied Tourers, and the sporting and sleek Brooklands Roadster. Period literature described the Brooklands as "equally suited for competition work and daily use, very much appreciated by the motorist who desired more than average speed, hill climbing ability, acceleration, and roadworthiness." The Riley 9 proved itself a very capable competitor, with a history of many race wins, records and top results.According to the copy continuation logbook on file, chassis 8704 was first registered as ‘GK 4244’ on November 1st 1930. Referenced on pages 397 and 398 of the authoritative tome, ‘The Riley Nine Brooklands Speed Model’ by Adrian Smith and Keith Mountain, as confirmed directly by Adrian Smith, I am quite prepared to say that after discussion with others who viewed the cars for sale in their dismantled state in 1967, it is a genuine Brooklands chassis. Without a chassis stamping I cannot categorically link metal to paperwork, but on the balance of probabilities, and knowing Paul, the paperwork and chassis would go together, the two-seater’s initial owner is understood to have been A.P. Warren Esq of Acton, London. It is unknown whether he competed in the car but a Mr Arthur P. Warren (who may or may not have been the same person) contested the Monte Carlo Rally aboard various Rileys during the 1950s. Similarly, the car’s second custodian is listed as George Povey Esq of Birmingham and a gentleman of the same name is known to have campaigned a MG Midget at Shelsey Walsh. Subsequent keepers are said to have included: C.M. Smith Esq of Stourport-on-Severn, E.B. Woodall Esq of Harvington, Alan Heap Esq of Exhall, C.F. Hooper Esq of Bristol, Flight Sergeant Jacques Marlier de Routon of Wendens Ambo, A. Rusling Esq of Kettering, W. Barker Esq of Earls Barton, Eric Adams of Northampton, Charles Kennion Esq of Hertford and Brian Kennion Esq of Hitchin with the latter selling the Riley as a dismantled project to the deceased vendor in December 1967. Well known in marque circles, the late seller did not start work in earnest on ‘GK 4244’ until 2019. Sadly, he never got to see the project through to completion but we are informed that the car retains its original petrol tank, front / rear axles, wings and wheels. The chassis is said to be original as well. We did not manage to locate a number on it but have sought permission to attack the paintwork on the dumb irons and hope to do so at the venue. The 9hp engine has reportedly been overhauled with the gearbox and suspension being refurbished too. Not run for a few years, the Riley will require checking over but comes with clocks for the dash, aero screens, sundry items, number plates and a complete set of lights. The seats have been trimmed in Light Brown to complement the envisaged final Green paintwork. All of the wheels have been blasted and painted and fitted with all new tyres. A very worthy project on which most of the hard work has been done, once completed the two-seater should be eligible for numerous VSCC events. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, handwritten ownership log, invoices and sundry other paperwork. The remains of a genuine Brooklands bulkhead and doors are also available, should the new owner wish to arrange and collect at their expense post-sale. PLEASE NOTE: The chassis plate for this lot has now been found and will accompany it to the auction. A photo of the plate will be added to the listing. For more information, please contact: Mike Davis mike.davis@handh.co.uk 07718 584217
