Any chance of some pics of the interior, just love period cars
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Correct Andy, it's a 1940 Riley 12HP. Not been on the road since 1970.
I have been asked to document the car on behalf of the definitive originality database for the marque as it is unusually original, so I will pop a few on here when I have fulfilled the request.
My dilemma now is: restore, preserve, or sell? Heart says preserve but make it safe and use it; my head says sell. My wallet says that I would get very little for it which may be a deciding factor.
No Bill. I have had to clear out most of my wishlist projects. I had a couple of roadsters needing massive amounts of work and a friend fancied taking them on and offered this as a swapsie. My Riley cronies don't like parting with money; shuffling logbooks is much better for the health.
If I go down the "ratrod" route there won't be much by way of expense, but if I want to make it look its best I will have some hefty chroming bills; unlike the postwar Rileys the hubcaps are steel, rusting slightly, and totally irreplaceable. Any other work will be done by myself, so materials only.
When I recover it to my new workshop I can give it a full appraisal.
I have to build the workshop first......
I think that it is a car that must be saved - looks totally original down to the number plate - and as you say probably a reference example of the marque.
That's my problem now - space and (probably age) - so gone are any thoughts of "old" cars or bikes
Good luck with whatever you chose to do
I am not surprised - it certainly has a barn find vibe.
As for what next. I suppose the big question is whether or not you really like it,the cost associated with at least getting it back on the road (preserve), and whether you will ever find another other one like that.
Whatever you decide I cannot believe many Riley's were built the same year the Battle of Britain was raging - so historically quite important, especially if its really original. It certainly is a lovely bit of English Motor heritage.
Decisions decisions.
Because i thought on a watch forum the wrist shot was more appropriate.
But if i must......
https://i.imgur.com/qCrhE5r.jpg
I was visiting family in Minnesota this past week (my daughter's 40th birthday) and had an opportunity to see my younger brother at his "auto collection garage." I've posted some pics of his collection before, but several of them were seller photos. Here are mine from Monday:
- 1949 Buick Roadmaster Convertible (all stock)
- 1967 Pontiac GTO w/400 c.i. "tri-power"
- 1972 DeTomaso Pantera GT w/505 hp Weber-carb Ford V8
- 1955 Chevrolet w/383 c.i. "dual-quad" chromed small block
- 1969 Ford Mustang 427
- 1941 Willys Coupe w/502 c.i. GM "Big Block" crate motor
He bought at least half of them at the many regional Mecum classic car auctions. (Yes, my brother does have a 'thing' about black!)
https://i.imgur.com/he9bmAp.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/moo2p2w.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/rdEfy98.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/kchbjUT.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/7N52uTH.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Bvsbbnr.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/jda8k4c.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/exg0Brh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/aG1sbaa.jpg
Nice. Very very nice. Has he considered adding any black cars?
That’s some lump in the Pantera GT stunning bet it sounds the DB
I love that Buick Road master.
A friend used to have a blue one as an everyday commuter!
I have a 1984 Audi Coupe GT 5E, which was bought new. The body work is showing some signs of rust and the front seats are shot but it still runs well. In fact, my wife wife will be out in it this evening.
https://i.postimg.cc/BnbX2kqK/P10306...coupe-1600.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/5NxH2jTp/P10306...coupe-1600.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/ryG0T5nK/P10306...coupe-1600.jpg
[QUOTE=ajdh;5218155]I have a 1984 Audi Coupe GT 5E, which was bought new. The body work is showing some signs of rust and the front seats are shot but it still runs well. In fact, my wife wife will be out in it this evening.
https://i.postimg.cc/BnbX2kqK/P10306...coupe-1600.jpg
I remember selling the Audi Coupes when they were new. Lovely car to drive. Is your two or four wheel drive?
I had the non-turbo quattro coupe. Still the most enjoyable car of that era I've ever driven. Comfy, relaxing to drive, lovely 5cyl engine and hung on like a limpet in corners. I tried buying one again 10 years ago but they were already rare and prices going mental for a good one.
I saw an immaculate, refurbished example going for £30,000 only a few months ago.