Key data
Chassis number: 44T275
Motor: 6 Cylinder 1.479 cc
Year of construction: 1933
Price: €49,500 – VAT deductible
This Riley 12/6 was first registered for road use in Great Britain on 1 March 1933. Chassis number 44T275 originally left the factory as a four-door Riley 12/6 4-Light Kestrel Saloon and is now presented as a sporting Special with a remarkable history in post-war British motorsport.
In the early 1950s, the Riley was converted into a Special. As part of these modifications, the chassis was shortened in 1956 to improve the car’s handling characteristics for hill climbs and trials events. The work was carried out by R. J. Dudley, who had acquired the car from its first owner in 1956/57.
Following completion of the modifications, the Riley competed in various events under its British registration number CG 3587. Documented appearances include the prestigious Exeter Trial and the Lands End Trial in 1959. These events were among the more demanding challenges in British motorsport, requiring not only reliability and traction but also considerable driving skill.
A particular highlight of this car is its surviving historical documentation. A DIN A4-sized folder contains photographs from the 1950s, offering a fascinating insight into the Special’s early history and its use during that period.
In the 1980s, the Riley acquired its present bodywork. According to the Dudley family, who owned the car until 2019, the body used for this purpose was the one already fitted to the car in the 1950s, which was subsequently adapted and modified. Following two further changes of ownership within Great Britain, the Riley was sold to Germany in 2024. Its official import and registration in Germany, including historic vehicle status (H-registration), were completed in the same year.
The last British owner had already commissioned extensive work on the car. However, due to his advancing age, he was unable to complete the project in its entirety. The current owner continued the work already undertaken and carried out further technical improvements.
Work previously carried out in Great Britain includes:
- Complete renewal of the vehicle’s electrical wiring
- Conversion of the lighting system to LED technology
- Complete overhaul of the four-speed gearbox, including new gears and bearings
- Fabrication of a new stainless-steel exhaust system
- Installation of a new aluminium radiator
- Comprehensive overhaul of the dynamo
- Sealing of the rear axle and installation of a new crown wheel and pinion set
- Partial overhaul of the braking system
Under its current ownership, the engine has been further developed and upgraded through extensive mechanical work. The original Zenith carburettor has been replaced by a pair of SU H2 carburettors. As part of the engine work, the engine block was reconditioned, new pistons and connecting rods were fitted, and the white-metal bearings were renewed. In addition, the camshafts were reworked and given a sportier profile. Adjustable camshaft sprockets allow precise adjustment of the valve timing. A hazard warning light system was also installed.
Only a few miles have been covered since completion of this work. The engine is therefore still in its running-in period and should be run in carefully and progressively.
With its sporting character, upgraded mechanical components and interesting British history, this Riley 12/6 Special offers an attractive basis for participation in historic motoring events. The available luggage space and easily fitted hood also make it a practical companion for touring, day trips and multi-day classic car events.
The car is ready to drive, and no further outstanding work is currently known. However, given the recent completion of the engine work, a careful running-in period is recommended. A small collection of spare parts is included in the sale.
For further information, please contact us by phone or email.
Hubert Kranz
+49 172 60 59 166
hubert@oldtimerservice-kranz.de
Hagen Kranz
+49 160 56 88 102
hagen@oldtimerservice-kranz.de
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More InformationRiley – British Sporting and Competition Heritage of the 1920s and 1930s
In the 1920s and 1930s, Riley was one of the leading British manufacturers of sports cars and enjoyed particular success in motor racing. The brand was renowned for its lightweight, technically advanced designs, featuring rev-happy four-cylinder engines and precise handling.
Riley cars achieved numerous successes in touring car and sports car racing, as well as in hill climbs and endurance races, and were regarded as particularly agile and competitive in their class. Today, the racing and sports models from this era are highly sought-after pre-war classics with a distinguished motorsport history.
Vehicle highlights at a glance:
- Converted into a sporting Special in Great Britain during the 1950s, with a documented history of participation in sprints, circuit racing, hill climbs and trial events. Historical photographs available.
- 1.5-litre Riley inline-six engine paired with a four-speed manual gearbox.
- Engine recently partially rebuilt, including renewed white-metal bearings, pistons and connecting rods, as well as reworked camshafts with a sportier profile.
Documentation & Provenance:
- English registration certificate available
- German registration certificate available (MOT until 05/28)
- History of the car documented
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