1935 Riley 12/4 Sports Special, Coachwork by Western Coachworks Registration no. VL 6625 Chassis no. 22T 1250

* Alfa Romeo 1750 Zagato-style body
* Restored between 2000 and 2006
* Up-rated engine
* Only 1,492 miles since restoration

This superb Zagato-style 'special' is based on a matching-numbers Riley 22T Kestrel rolling chassis retaining its correct engine, gearbox, transmission, etc. Originally a saloon first registered 6th March 1935, 'VL 6625' was lovingly restored/rebuilt with no expense spared by previous owner, John Worrell. The original body had already been removed (and presumed destroyed) when the restoration started. The fabulous ash-framed Alfa Romeo 1750 Zagato-style body was beautifully crafted by Western Coachworks, who are well known in Alfa circles for their excellent work. We are advised that it is as professional a job as you will see anywhere, and that this car is probably as well put together (if not better) than many when they left the Riley factory. Indeed, the result looks just right - so much so that it is quite easy to imagine Riley producing such a car, or a contemporary customer commissioning his/her favourite coachbuilder to build one on a Riley-supplied chassis.
From invoices on file, it appears that work started around 2000 and was eventually completed in 2006. In 2006, an officer of the Riley Register inspected the car before an application was made to the DVLA for an updated V5C Registration Certificate, and they confirmed that, with the exception of the body, it was made up of original Riley parts. A V5C was then issued.

Boasting Omega high-compression pistons, re-profiled Riley Sprite cams, twin SU carburettors, and a four-branch exhaust manifold, the 1½-litre four-cylinder twin-cam engine produces approximately 70bhp. Power is transmitted via a Wilson pre-selector gearbox, and the brakes are rod-operated Girlings. We are advised that the engine revs freely, produces more power than one might expect and, coupled with such light bodywork, provides a good turn of speed. The car is also said to be taut to drive, with very precise steering, strong brakes, an excellent ride, and a really smooth gearbox coupled to a fully restored and properly working traffic clutch.

Finished in black with maroon hide interior, complementing the maroon wire wheels, the entire car is presented in superb condition. There is a useful luggage storage area behind the front seats, accessed via a hatch in the rear cowl. The dashboard is machine-turned aluminium with the usual Riley gauges. Zeroed after build, the odometer now shows 1,492 miles. The engine bay is detailed and tidy, while a Kenlowe electric fan, located behind the recently restored radiator, enhances cooling. Other noteworthy features include a fold-flat windscreen, full tonneau cover in black mohair, and an oversized aluminium fuel filler cap at the rear.

It appears that the Riley was kept by John Worrell until 2011 when it was sold to Germany, remaining there for a couple of years before being purchased by the current owner. Forming part of a large collection, the car has seen relatively little road use in the current ownership, hence the recorded mileage of only 1,492 since restoration. Its condition is such that the car has largely been used for display at concours events and motor shows, though it is said that when out on the road it performs well and always turns heads.

Offered with a history file containing numerous restoration invoices, an old-style continuation logbook, and the aforementioned V5C document, this is one of the nicest pre-war Rileys we have seen.