In Brief:

'Original feel' example of a 9hp Merlin Saloon
Finished in Black with Red wheels over a Red leather interior
Owned by The Vendor for the last 5 years
Just 2 former keepers
Accompanied by a decent history file

On the Surface:

An 'original feel' example of the rarely seen 1935 Riley 9hp Merlin Saloon, finished in Black with Red wheels and complemented by a matching Red leather interior.

Maintenance & History:

Having been in the ownership of The Vendor for the last 5 years with just two former keepers, this Riley Merlin boasts low ownership. Included in the documentation is a copy of The Automobile from March 1987, a Riley 1½ Litre and 6-cylinder spare parts catalogue, a 1½ Litre instruction book, head gasket fitting instructions and an assortment of invoices documenting upkeep and parts sourcing over the years.

The Model:

The Riley Nine was one of the most successful light sporting cars produced by the British motor industry during the interwar period. Built by the Riley company of Coventry between 1926 and 1938, it was offered in a wide range of body styles and configurations. The model was largely the work of two of the Riley brothers—Stanley, who oversaw the chassis, suspension, and bodywork and Percy, who was responsible for the engine design. In a bid to make production more cost-effective, Riley partnered with Briggs Manufacturing to create a steel-bodied variant, moving away from traditional coach-built methods. This particular example features the 'Merlin' body, a 4-light, all-steel streamlined saloon.

Sale Insight:

Opportunities to acquire a Riley Merlin in such an unspoiled, original-feel condition are increasingly rare. With low ownership, an appealing period-correct finish, and a wealth of accompanying literature, this example is ideal for the discerning collector looking for a model with both character and collectability.