1937 Riley Lynx-Sprite | The Summer Serenade Auction | 18th July

• Long term ownership
• Earlier photographic restoration

In 1936, Riley’s brochure on The Sprite Series on Special 1 1/2 litre chassis claimed: “The new Sprite series of Riley Cars marks a definite forward step in the provision of cars of high performance for the enthusiast. No other un-supercharged cars have enjoyed the outstanding successes of the Riley, and resulting from the immense fund of knowledge and experience gained from racing and competitions during the past five years, this new range represents the last word in high speed cars….For those who are willing to sacrifice a small percentage of the performance (over the two-seater version) for greater comfort and accommodation, there is the 1 1/2 litre Lynx-Sprite - a commodious four-seater of exceptionally attractive appearance, and an ideal car for high-speed touring. The all-weather equipment is rigid and offers full protection, while the hood is easily erected.”

BUY 250 was first registered on 16^th July 1937 (13 days after the vendor’s parents’ wedding), our vendor purchased the car in March 1990 from a friend and immediately stripped down to the bare chassis, sandblasted primed and painted and the ash frame rebuilt with hand cut replacements. The engine, pre-selector gearbox, clutch, twin carburettors and all mechanicals were rebuilt by Ian Gladstone of Blue Diamond Services, who was the preeminent pre-war Riley mechanic at the time, and who undertook all work on the car for the 12 years following completion of the restoration during 1992. Larry Rose undertook the renewal of the interior in beige Connolly leather and built the hood and widescreens in beige double duck. BUY 250 has provided exceptionally comfortable and enjoyable recreational transport for the vendor and his wife for 35 years and is very reluctantly offered for sale today owing to his own age and infirmity, although he has insisted on driving it to the sale personally.

With the car comes a huge history file of ownership and all logbooks since 1964, plus full documentation of the 1990-92 restoration including invoices and photographs, and all tax discs and MoT test certificates from 1992-2012. By December 1992 a total of £32,000 had been spent and an insurance valuation from Blue Diamond Services in 1996 of £25,000 is in the file, as are more recent invoices from Harding Auto Services. The car starts readily and runs well although the rev counter is jumpy which the vendor believes is down to a faulty cable. Also included is a battery conditioner with quick connection wired to the battery for use between trips, the full all-weather equipment and the tonneau cover, and kingfisher radiator mascot. The fuel gauge has always worked but is wired through a three-position pull-out switch on the dashboard which needs to be in the central position to give a reading! Consigned by Dominic Lake