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matchle55
Coventry
61 of 75  Sat 28th Dec 2019 3:59pm  

Whilst the Riley fraternity have long accepted that the original Percy Riley first car has long gone we can console ourselves we now have a replica (above). A Riley historian has come across an article from 50+ years ago and as there is a slight link with Coventry I make the connection here. The historian found a reference to a Mr T Warner of Rugby who recalled seeing the first Riley. In 1958 Mr Warner wrote to the Rugby Advertiser and this article was later printed in the Midland Daily Telegraph. He spoke of his days as a professional photographer using glass plate cameras and was proud to recall that he took pictures of the very first Riley (this would have been in 1898) ever made when it emerged from the Riley Co cycle workshop in King St, Coventry (this was near Cook St gate). At that time he was working for the British Photographic Engraving co in Vicar Lane. He recalled the wall had to be demolished to get the car out. We are hoping that there is an archive somewhere where Mr Warner's photos have been stored but where do we look? The replica at present has no engine fitted because we have no idea what sort it was, but is thought to have been designed and made by Percy himself - remember he was just 18 at the time. Blurry images that we do have show the engine looking like a Bolinder engine which was similar to those fitted in canal boats at that time but this is just speculation. So, where do we begin?? Thumbs up

Question

Cars, Motorcycles and Motoring - Riley Cars
argon
New Milton
62 of 75  Fri 17th Jan 2020 10:07pm  

A video of a 1937 Riley Monza on YouTube - a beautiful Monza.
Cars, Motorcycles and Motoring - Riley Cars
matchle55
Coventry
63 of 75  Sat 18th Jan 2020 9:15am  

Beautiful as it is, and I would not say no, it is a special. As the commentator said it owes its design to the Alfa Romeo 8C or Monza. Riley never produced a car with this name. This chassis number - 27A - tells that the car started out life as a 2.5 litre Adelphi, a large saloon. Thumbs up
Cars, Motorcycles and Motoring - Riley Cars
argon
New Milton
64 of 75  Sat 18th Jan 2020 11:16am  

Interesting, matchle55. Does it owe any of its design to Riley. The commentator seems to give Riley credit.
Cars, Motorcycles and Motoring - Riley Cars
Midland Red

65 of 75  Sat 18th Jan 2020 11:47am  

Here's an Adelphi Saloon 1937 Riley Adelphi 12/4 6-Light Saloon and one rebodied as a Lynx Tourer 1936 Riley Adelphi 12/4 Saloon, rebodied in the style of a Lynx Tourer
Cars, Motorcycles and Motoring - Riley Cars
matchle55
Coventry
66 of 75  Sat 18th Jan 2020 8:34pm  

On 18th Jan 2020 11:16am, argon said: Interesting, matchle55. Does it owe any of its design to Riley. The commentator seems to give Riley credit.
Riley cars lend themselves easily for conversion to specials, the engines were way ahead of their time. Even my saloon has a 1500cc twin cam engine (not overhead). When, in the 50s, cars with ash framed bodies were past their sell by date, it was common to see specials like this. The engine in this car is a 2.5 litre, referred to as a big four. When announced to the public in the late 30s a car with this engine achieved speeds of over 100mph at Brooklands. My own car which was in a parlous condition when acquired would no doubt have ended up as such had I not bought it. The Riley Register DVLA liaison officer repeatedly rejects dubious applications from special builders in an attempt to preserve the dwindling numbers of saloons on the road. At a rough guess I would estimate at least 10% are specials Roll eyes
Cars, Motorcycles and Motoring - Riley Cars
matchle55
Coventry
67 of 75  Thu 20th Feb 2020 8:37pm  

For those of you who are past pupils of KH VIII, and have an interest, the replica of Percy Riley's first car is now on show at the school. Remember he designed and built the car whilst still a pupil there. At the moment, unless things change in the near future, Victor Riley is hoping to persuade either of the local universities to design and fund and manufacture a suitable engine. If, or when, this happens the car will be removed to enable the work to be carried out. Smile
Cars, Motorcycles and Motoring - Riley Cars
Midland Red

68 of 75  Fri 27th May 2022 7:25pm  

Recently posted on FB:
Cars, Motorcycles and Motoring - Riley Cars
matchle55
Coventry
69 of 75  Sat 28th May 2022 9:11am  

The 2022 International Riley Rally will be held on 24-26 June at Woodland Grange, Old Milverton Lane, Leamington Spa, CV32 6RN Double thumbs up
Cars, Motorcycles and Motoring - Riley Cars
argon
New Milton
70 of 75  Sun 23rd Jun 2024 10:44pm  

Probably already viewed by enthusiasts but no doubt new to many of us. Riley history.
Cars, Motorcycles and Motoring - Riley Cars
matchle55
Coventry
71 of 75  Mon 24th Jun 2024 4:06pm  

This year's rally is at the same venue, post 69, and is at the same location this weekend, June 29 & 30th.
Cars, Motorcycles and Motoring - Riley Cars
NeilsYard
Coventry
72 of 75  Wed 26th Jun 2024 12:26pm  

I didn't know this was at the Canal Basin. Must go and check it out.
Cars, Motorcycles and Motoring - Riley Cars
PhiliPamInCoventry
Holbrooks
73 of 75  Wed 26th Jun 2024 7:27pm  

Hello Neil, It's close to the cafe, that I'm not sure if it's open, after closing earlier this year.
Cars, Motorcycles and Motoring - Riley Cars
Not Local
Bedworth
74 of 75  Wed 26th Jun 2024 8:00pm  

The Facebook page for Playwright's Cafe says that they are open again - Tuesday to Sunday I think.
Cars, Motorcycles and Motoring - Riley Cars
stpauls
norfolk
75 of 75  Mon 23rd Sep 2024 12:58am  

On 28th Jun 2014 5:39pm, DENCOL said: I was 6 years old the night of the Nov.14th blitz on Coventry. I lived in Ransom Road about 500 yards from the Riley works and I remember all the windows were blown out. I don't know if there was any structural damage, there didn't appear to be looking at it from the road side in Beresford Avenue. I would think it highly likely there would be internal damage as other factories in that area, Sterling Metals, Dunlop, Alfred Herbert all suffered major damage.
Hello. Dencol you were about 2 years older that I on that night, I lived next door in Churchill Ave, possibly not the best address with the Nazi Dornier bombers about and with the Riley works at the top of the road, we lost one front window and a incendiary bomb which finished in the kitchen but was quickly put out. At that time, across the road from us lived a young man named Reg (can't remember his surname) his job was to deliver new Riley cars individually. It was great to see many brand new Rileys as Reg would bring the cars home in the evening and be gone first light next day. In the afternoon, a common site would be Reg returning home with his Trade Plates tucked under his arm, he probably having thumbed a lift back home. Scary but generally good times.
tillyt

Cars, Motorcycles and Motoring - Riley Cars

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