RILEY 9 RACING SPECIAL “BROOKLANDS STYLE” 1931

This 1931 Riley 9 Racing Special, configured in authentic Brooklands style, is an exceptional and highly sought-after example of Riley’s sporting production. The Riley 9, renowned for its advanced overhead-valve four-cylinder engine and light, agile chassis, was the foundation of many of the most successful British competition cars of the 1930s. Brooklands-style conversions are today extremely rare and particularly prized for their period racing pedigree and their association with the legendary circuit.

Documented History

The car was converted in 1947 by Teddy Burgess, who fitted it with a four-seater Special Tourer body using a Singer Le Mans radiator to meet the post-war sporting regulations.

In 1949 it took part in the Daily Express 1000 Miles Round Britain Tour, organised by the Motor Cycling Club, finishing in Torquay and winning the award for the most attractive car, as reported by period newspapers.

A Classic & Sportscar article from January 1986 recounts the memories of then-owner R. B. Rands, Teddy Burgess’s nephew, who sold the car in 1960 for just £10 due to the introduction of the MOT test and the lack of a garage. At that time it still retained its Tourer configuration and was nicknamed “The Bluebird” within the family; the registration book confirms that its original colour was blue before the present green.

Brooklands-Style Conversion

From 1970 to 1995 the car belonged to Geoff Winn Bryson, who removed the “1000 Miles Race” body and rebuilt the car to meet circuit racing specifications:

• Chassis shortened by 10.5 inches
• Lightweight two-seater sports body, wood frame with fabric covering

During its racing career the mechanical components were significantly upgraded.

Mechanical Preparation – Nev Farquar (mid-1980s)

Works included:

• High-compression competition cylinder head
  • Omega high-compression pistons
  • Special camshafts
  • Lightened timing gears
  • Lightened flywheel
  • Enlarged oil sump
  • High-capacity oil pump
  • Brooklands water pump
  • Crankshaft and connecting rods
  • Bearings
  • Conversion to hydraulic braking system
  • Straight-cut 5:1 differential

The car was raced continuously until 1995, when it was sold and imported into Italy.

Engine Restoration – 1997

In 1997 the new owner opted for a more road-oriented engine. It was fully rebuilt in the UK by specialist Barrie Gillies, with invoice available.

The car received FIVA certification in 2002.

Events

In Italy the car has taken part in numerous major events, including:

• 1000 Miglia
• Ennstal Classic (2 editions)
• Coppa dei Due Mari (4 editions)
• Bologna–Raticosa
• Stormy Weather winter event
• Castell’Arquato–Vernasca

Documentation

A remarkably extensive archive is available, covering over 50 years of racing and history, and will be supplied with the car.