Lot details
Registration No: BGP 102
Chassis No: 6024714
Mot Expiry: Exempt

- Supplied to C Hayward and sons of Kent in 1934 and fitted with a coach built "Ulster" type body.

- First owned by Mr Donald Hamilton Smith, Wing Commander of the 604 Squadron

- Offered with original Buff Log book, old tax discs, old MOT certificates, old pictures and many invoices.

- Subject to an extensive 4 year restoration

There are Riley Specials and Riley Specials, but 'BGP 102' represents a unique opportunity for aficionados of the marque to acquire a beautifully presented example with notably attractive early history. It was manufactured in 1934 and supplied to C Hayward & Sons of Kent, where it was equipped with a coachbuilt 'Ulster-style' body, and there is a letter on file from the Riley Register confirming the car as a Special Tourer. Throughout the war it was the property of Mr Donald Hamilton Smith DFC, the Wing Commander of 604 Squadron, with links to the 600 (City of London) one - a car badge for the latter was found secreted in the Riley's chassis rails during restoration and is available by separate negotiation.

The original body was removed during hostilities and a replacement installed during the '60s. However, as a result of much investigation, the car's first suit of clothes was unearthed in a Kent barn and refurbished to a very high standard. The rest of the Riley has been the subject of a costly four year-long professional restoration. This has included a repaint by K A Collins & Son of Nottingham; replating by Derby Plating Services; a refurbished interior by an ex-Aston Martin upholsterer; the installation of correct instrument gauges; and the remanufacture of the wire wheels and supply of new Blockley tyres by MWS at a cost of c.£3,000.

Unsurprisingly, the vendor currently classes the bodywork, Black paintwork and interior trim, 1087cc engine and manual gearbox as all being in 'excellent' order and, after just 50 miles of running in, describes the beautifully restored Riley as 'wonderful'. He is now offering it complete with current V5; original buff logbook; original instruction manual; period images, plus those of the restoration; numerous invoices; and old tax discs and MOTs. Stunning!