1934 Riley March Special
Registration: JJ 4244
Date of first registration: 13/01/1934
Chassis Number: 6019307
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 example was first registered on the 13th January 1934 and was acquired by the current owner in 2007, an active member of the Riley Register who has attended many events with it. The car is also unique in that it is photographed in John Gathercole’s book ‘The Riley Imp’ (Page 6) in referencing some of the similarities of the two models.
Painted in an attractive combination of Old English White with red leather interior and rubber flooring, the car presents well with the paint and upholstery in excellent condition. Weather equipment includes a full size tonneau as well as side screens which fit well with the hood as shown.
Powered by the Riley 9 engine with twin SU carburettors and mated to a silent 3rd gearbox, the car runs well and benefits from a new radiator in 2020 and a rebuilt gearbox in 2021.