Lot details
Registration No: ANX 305
Chassis No: S26S3377
Mot Expiry: April 2004

At the London Motor Show of 1935, held right here (actually next door!) at Olympia, Riley offered their ever increasing pre-WW2 client base a massive range of 35 different models, one of them, the brand new Riley Sprite being a real show-stopper. The new sports car fitted neatly in between their Imp, which was by now becoming underpowered, and the much more exclusive and very much more pricey MPH. The Sprite employed the latter model's chassis and running gear, though with the new three-bearing 12/4 4-cylinder engine, albeit further tuned up.
As if in celebration of the Sprite's arrival on the enthusiast motorist scene, that great 'Riley Master', Freddie Dixon, drove a much lightened TT Sprite with even more powerful 12/4 motor underbonnet to a famous victory in the Ulster Tourist Trophy, to clock up one of the Coventry marque's greatest victories. The ERA Grand Prix cars, which waved the Union flag so valiantly in the immediate pre and postwar years, had their origins in Rileys.
We are pleased to offer here a 1935 Riley Sprite, one of only 48 made, and one of only four built with the Brooklands crash-box; a rare and desirable feature for clients who might want to compete in races or rallies in this historic motor car, which was rallied prewar by Hugh Hunter of Alfa Romeo fame (documentation on file substantiates this period competition provenance). Being an early Sprite, it has the highly distinctive 'fencing mask' radiator cowl.
The London vendor acquired ANX 305 in 1987 in very bad condition and, during the following years, set about a total and chassis-up restoration which has clearly been carried out to the highest standards. However, items were replaced only where necessary; all the body panels, for instance, are claimed still to be original to the car, which has been painted in Alfa Romeo Red and reupholstered in maroon leather. Both paintwork and interior are reportedly both still in excellent condition.
During the refurbishment, the 1479cc 4-cylinder engine, which runs on SUs and is fitted with uprated camshafts and has an electron sump, was professionally rebuilt, the 4-speed gearbox and back axle overhauled, and the radiator honeycombing renewed. All five wire wheels and tyres are brand new - and only 99 miles have been recorded on the odometer since all the work was competed.
Prewar Rileys like this encapsulate the carefree prewar days of British sports cars transporting bright young things to fun happenings on gloriously open roads...of intrepid sporting motorists - pre-trailers, transporters and vulgar sponsorship - driving their Rileys to events, competing in them and, via a party or two, driving them home again afterwards. Those were the days alright.
All is not completely lost, though, for if you do hanker after some of those wind-in-your hair experiences from a bygone age, then this Sprite could be your magic carpet. Whether for serious eventing or merely going for a 'spritely' spin to remember, this stylish thoroughbred really would take some beating.