9 Special Brooklands Style 1931 for sale

RILEY 9 RACING SPECIAL “BROOKLANDS STYLE” 1931 Brand: Riley Model: 9 Special – Brooklands Style Year: 1931 Chassis: 6013096 Engine: 41100 Displacement: 1087 cc Certifications: FIVA Interior: Green Exterior: Green This 1931 Riley 9 Racing Special, configured in Brooklands style, represents one of the most fascinating and sought-after examples of Riley's sporting production of the time. The Riley 9 – already famous for its sophisticated overhead valve four-cylinder engine, lightweight, flexible, and particularly high-performing – was the basis for some of the most victorious British competition cars of the 1930s. Examples converted to Brooklands style are now extremely rare and highly sought after for their sporting history, for the quality of Riley's construction, and for the direct connection to the legendary English circuit. Documented history of the specimen The car was transformed in 1947 by Teddy Burgess, who installed a 4-seat Special Tourer body using a Singer Le Mans radiator, a solution that allowed him to comply with the post-war sporting regulations. In 1949, it participated in the prestigious “Daily Express 1000 Miles Round Britain Tour,” organized by the Motor Cycling Club, arriving in Torquay. The car distinguished itself to the point of winning the award for the most attractive car, a recognition widely documented by the newspapers of the time. An interesting article published in Classic & Sportscar in January 1986 reports the testimony of the last owner at the time, R. B. Rands, grandson of Teddy Burgess. He recounts having parted with the car in 1960 due to the introduction of the MOT test and the lack of garage, selling it for only 10 pounds. At the time, the car was still in Tourer configuration and was nicknamed “The Bluebird” in the family, a name confirmed by the logbook note where, before the current green color, it was registered as blue. Evolution from tourer to Brooklands racer From 1970 to 1995, the car was owned by Geoff Winn Bryson, a great Riley enthusiast, who initiated a profound transformation oriented towards circuit competitions. He removed the body adopted for the “1000 Miles Race” and created a more aggressive setup, inspired by Brooklands specifications: Shortening the chassis by 10.5 inches to improve agility and weight distribution Installation of a lightweight two-seater sports body, with a wooden structure and fabric covering, typical of 1930s competition cars During its racing use, the car underwent numerous mechanical interventions and specific preparations. 1980s mechanical preparation – Work by Nev Farquar In the mid-1980s, specialist Nev Farquar carried out a significant optimization of the engine and mechanics, including: High compression competition cylinder head • High compression Omega pistons • Special camshafts • Lightened timing gears • Lightened flywheel • Enlarged oil sump • Enlarged oil pump • Brooklands water pump • Crankshaft and connecting rods • Bearings • Brake system converted to hydraulic system • Straight cut differential 5:1 These modifications made it a very high-performing car suitable for intensive use on the track. The car raced regularly until 1995, when Bryson sold it to the last owner who imported it to Italy. Engine restoration – 1997 In 1997, to make the car more usable on the road, the new owner decided to install a less powerful engine compared to the racing configuration and sent it to England to specialist Barrie Gillies, who carried out a complete restoration. The invoice for the work is available. In 2002, the FIVA certification was issued, which officially certifies the historical significance, authenticity, and correct conformity of the vehicle. Recent sporting activity Since arriving in Italy, the Riley has participated in numerous events.