1932 Riley Nine Gamecock

Description

1932 Riley Nine Gamecock

One of only around 50 thought to survive; current owner 25 years; only 10,000 miles on rebuilt engine; well-maintained and in regular use; VSCC eligible 

In 1932 Riley launched a new version of its Riley Nine chassis called the ‘Plus Ultra’. This was considerably stiffer than previously and was also dropped to give a lower seating position and create more room inside the cabin. To capitalize on the sporting nature of the chassis, a new two-seater sports tourer was launched with a lightweight aluminium body, all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension and large diameter drum brakes on all four wheels.

Called the Gamecock after the Gloster Gamecock biplane fighter, it had a fold-flat screen for that essential raffish look but was also equipped with full weather equipment and a long, flat tail that housed a large boot capable of swallowing all the luggage a couple might need on a touring holiday. Powered by a ‘Special Series’ high compression twin carb version of the famous Riley Nine twin-cam four allied to four-speed manual transmission, it could touch 70mph and proved successful in competition, winning its class in the Coupe des Alpes and the International Alpine Rally. Only in production for two years, it is thought that only around 50 Gamecocks survive today.

This Gamecock was bought new by a Norman Melville of London W1 in January 1932. Two buff logbooks and a green logbook document most of the subsequent owners, one of them being CH Bulmer, the editor of ‘The Motor’ magazine, who treated the car to a body-off rebuild in 1945/46 as shown in photos on file. Our vendor acquired the car in 1997 from a gentleman in Suffolk who had owned it since 1989.

Invoices show that the engine was rebuilt by IS Polson of Newmarket in 1990, including a reground crank, new bearings, balanced etc. The car was also repainted and generally restored at the same time, including fitting new running boards. At this point the odometer was showing just under 30,000 miles and the car has only done around 10,000 miles since, as shown by 21 old MOTs from 1969 – 2012.

In 1998, shortly after he acquired the car, our vendor fitted new piston rings and had the cylinder head rebuilt including the fitting of hardened exhaust valve seats, since when the car has covered around 6,000 miles.

Well-known to the Riley Register and seen regularly at VSCC events, the Gamecock has been well-maintained in the current ownership with many invoices to prove. Highlights include: new king pins; brake shoes and cables; tyres; rear axle oil seals; cooling pipes and hoses; Hartford shock absorbers reconditioned; magneto rebuilt; stainless steel exhaust etc. The bodywork and paint have been kept in good shape. A new hood and tonneau were fitted by the previous owner and are in good condition although there are no sidescreens.

Starting easily and running nicely as we have moved it around on site, with good 60psi oil pressure, this sporting and well-historied Riley now only needs an enthusiastic new owner who can continue to cherish it for future generations to enjoy.

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email [email protected]