Riley 12/4 1936 - Sprite

0 Previous Owners, This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2025 on Saturday the 8th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. , Introduced in 1926, Percy Riley's 9bhp, 1,087cc twin-camshaft four was an outstanding engine design by any standards, various versions powering successive Rileys until 1957. Clothed in stylish bodywork by Stanley Riley, the Coventry marque's pre-war offerings were among the world's finest small-capacity sporting cars.The twin-camshaft layout was retained for the new Hugh Rose-designed 1½-litre four introduced in September 1934. The Falcon saloon made its debut on this new 12bhp chassis, which was also available with the familiar Kestrel saloon and Lynx tourer coachwork. The following year the range was augmented by the new Sprite two-seater sports.The Sprite was built to cater for the growing demand for an enthusiast’s sports car as a result of Riley’s vast successes in competition. Based upon the MPH, it brought considerable upgrades and improvements in performance and usability. The chassis became fully boxed along its entire length and the Riley Continuous Cable braking was replaced with a Girling compensated-rod braking system. The six-cylinder engine was replaced with the aforementioned 1,496cc ‘12/4’ four cylinder, now producing 46bhp, whilst both weighing and costing less. A choice of a manual or pre-select gearbox was available although the majority of Sprites were fitted with the pre-select option. In terms of practicality, the cabin was enlarged by a few important inches and deeper walled wings kept the spray from the front wheels out the cabin. The unique ‘birdcage’ radiator cowl completed the Sprite look, however a traditional Riley chrome cowl could also be fitted.The Sprite represented the pinnacle of Riley’s 12/4 range, combining the marque’s reputation for engineering excellence with the lithe and elegant styling of the mid-1930s. With its robust twin-cam four-cylinder engine, advanced chassis design and beautifully proportioned coachwork, the Sprite offered performance and sophistication well ahead of its time.The exceptional 1936 Riley 12/4 Sprite that we are delighted to offer today has lived an eventful family life for nearly seven decades. Purchased by our vendor’s late father in 1957, it has enjoyed an extraordinary 68 years of single family ownership. It served as the couple’s wedding car and featured fondly in their early family life. During their honeymoon, however, the Riley suffered a mechanical failure, an event that marked the beginning of what would become a 50 year restoration journey.Rather than part with the car, the family embarked on a painstaking restoration that was completed to the highest standards. The engine was rebuilt by the respected specialist, Keith Pointing, whose work is widely admired among Riley aficionados. The original pre-select gearbox was replaced with a Riley 4-speed silent third gearbox, providing smoother, more engaging motoring while retaining complete period authenticity.Finished in British Racing Green with a light green leather interior and sitting on cream wire wheels, the Sprite presents beautifully, displaying a light patina that speaks to its history and character. The attention to detail throughout is exceptional, from the finely trimmed upholstery to the superb panel fit and gleaming brightwork. Since the restoration’s completion approximately ten years ago, the car has covered only 200 miles, ensuring that it remains both mechanically fresh and aesthetically superb.Riley Sprites seldom come to market, and opportunities to acquire one with such provenance are increasingly rare. Around 50 of the 57 12/4 Sprites built are still in use which is a clear indication of how desirable they remain. Eligible for events with the Vintage Sports-Car Club, along with numerous hillclimbs, touring rallies and pre-war races, this Sprite offers both thrilling performance and the grace of genuine pre-war craftsmanship.A motor car of true rarity and provenance, this 1936 Riley 12/4 Sprite stands as a living tribute to the golden age of British motoring and the embodiment of one family’s devotion to Riley’s engineering brilliance.