1931 Riley Sprite Special
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION
This pre-war Riley sports car blends 1930s engineering with competition spirit. Based on a 1931 Riley chassis and upgraded for modern reliability, it captures the marque’s racing legacy and enduring appeal.
A Pre-War Riley Sports Car with Provenance
During the 1930s, Riley earned a strong reputation for its motorsport success. These racing achievements often shaped the development of its road cars. This beautifully built pre-war Riley sports car captures the spirit of that golden era for the brand.
From 1995 to 2018, one family owned the car. During that time, it took part in Vintage Sports-Car Club events. It’s based on a shortened 1931 Riley chassis and has a Sprite-style body. This body was built by Brian Martin, who once worked for Riley expert Barry Gillies. Martin used exact measurements from an original Sprite to create it.
Engineering and Performance Upgrades
The car features Riley MPH-style wings. Under the bonnet is a powerful 2443cc engine from a Riley 16hp. This ‘Big Four’ engine was recently rebuilt and upgraded. It now includes Alfa Romeo high-compression pistons, Carrillo-type steel conrods, and a balanced crankshaft—making it an ideal pre-war British sports car for both performance and reliability.
To make long-distance driving easier, it has a 3.5:1 axle ratio. The braking system was converted to hydraulic and now uses components from a Riley 12/4, including both front and rear axles.
After buying the car in 2018, the current owner invested in more improvements. These included a fresh black paint job (it was previously red), a new interior by RC Moss, complete rewiring, and rebuilt wheels. Invoices for this work total over £25,000 and are included with the car.
Rally-Proven Pre-War Riley Sports Car
The result is a very well-sorted pre-war Riley sports car. In 2024, the car took part in the Leggenda di Bassano rally in the Italian Dolomites and completed it successfully. A photo book from that trip is included in the car’s history file, along with current FIVA papers.
With its short wheelbase and strong four-cylinder engine, this Riley is both fun and reliable. It’s perfect for quick countryside drives or longer rally adventures.
See more at Classic Motor Hub
MODEL HISTORY
Origins of the Riley Marque
Riley began as a bicycle company in the late 1800s. It built its first car in the early 1900s. With such a long heritage, the company proudly adopted the slogan: “As old as the industry, as modern as the hour.”
How Racing Shaped the Riley Marque
Like Aston Martin and MG, Riley saw the value of motor racing. It boosted both publicity and engineering progress. After launching the successful Riley 9 in 1926, the brand quickly became a staple of the racing world.
The Brooklands Speed Model earned a strong reputation. It won its class in events like the Brooklands Double Twelve and achieved top honors in the Index of Performance at Le Mans. Even more impressively, it took outright victory in the 1932 Tourist Trophy.
Engineering Upgrades to the Riley Special
To build on this success, Riley added two cylinders to the 9 engine. This upgrade led to a new generation of six-cylinder sports cars. One standout was the MPH. It featured a unique chassis design that was underslung at the rear and had a compact 8ft 1.5in wheelbase.
In 1934, two MPHs achieved second and third place overall at the Le Mans 24 Hours. Soon after, Riley introduced a new contender—the four-cylinder TT Sprite.
The Riley Sprite and Its Performance Legacy
In 1936, Riley launched the production Sprite. This two-seater used the MPH’s chassis as its foundation. Most models came with a rounded front grille, giving them a distinct look. Beneath the bonnet was a 1496cc four-cylinder engine that delivered spirited performance.
As The Autocar noted at the time: “The Sprite is not a racing car, but in part of its behaviour it shows that it is a close relative.”
The Powerful 16hp Engine and the End of Independence
The Riley 16hp made its debut at the 1937 Earls Court Motor Show. It became one of the final independent Riley models before the brand joined the Nuffield Organisation. The car featured a 2443cc four-cylinder engine and came in several different body styles.
This engine, known as the ‘Big Four’, proved to be one of Riley’s most durable. It powered post-war RM series cars and remained in use until production of the Riley Pathfinder ended in 1957.