1933 Riley 9 March Special

1933 Riley March Special

Registration: AGC 719

Date of first registration: 27th March 1933

Chassis number: 6019646

The Riley March Special came to be as a sportier replacement to the Gamecock model which was manufactured between 1931/32. The Earl of March, who had a long history of racing and competition and was a partner of Kevill Davies & March Limited, designed the body which took a similar adapted form of the bodies he had designed for AC. The bodywork was constructed by John Charles and Sons of Kew. It was built on the same chassis as the Gamecock but featured a 2+2 cabin arrangement with a rear mounted, 12 gallon fuel tank with twin fillers and twin spare wheels. The windscreen could fold down and the hood was designed to be raised whilst folding down completely flat when not needed. The car was offered with the 9hp engine as well as the 12/6 and 14/6 6 cylinder engines although none of these are known to survive.

This particular car was first registered on the 27th March 1933 and presents well in an attractive shade of maroon paint and leather upholstery.

The car benefits in its current ownership from having a fully rebuilt engine fitted in 2019 producing 44bhp. Only 1000 miles has been covered since this point so the engine is bed in but fresh. At this stage the clutch was also relined. In 2016 a silent third gearbox was fitted to replace the close ratio unit already on the car, giving a higher top speed and better cruising.

The car pulls well, benefitting from the large twin SU carburettors fitted, and the short throw Brooklands gearbox remote fitted provides an engaging drive. A 55mph cruise is happily achievable with the car able to push further if desired.

An excellent example of a rare Riley model with the added practicality of a folding roof and +2 seating.