Riley Monaco

Highlights

• Sotheby’s auction in 1993, since then in private collection

• Originally built as a Riley Company demonstration car

• Motorsport history: 1939 Le Mans 24h & Monte Carlo Rallye

• Featured in Car Mechanics magazine (1962)

• Special engine with high-compression pistons, twin carburettors & Wilson pre-selector gearbox

• Aluminium body in black/cream with sliding roof

• Partially restored interior, engine overhauled

• Customs cleared, not roadworthy, no MOT

Vehicle description

The Riley 9hp offered here is an important representative of its era and a true piece of motorsport history. First introduced at the Olympia Motor Show in late 1926, the model quickly established itself through numerous racing successes. This particular example has a remarkable provenance: originally built as a demonstration car for the Riley Company, it later came into the hands of George Firth and competed in both the 1939 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Monte Carlo Rallye.
In 1993 the car was sold at the prestigious Sotheby’s auction and has since remained in private collector ownership. Its authenticity and heritage are well documented, including a feature article in Car Mechanics magazine from 1962.
The elegant aluminium body is finished in black and cream, equipped with a sliding roof. The interior has been partially refurbished, while the engine has been overhauled and preserved. The vehicle has been customs cleared but is currently not roadworthy and without MOT, making it a rare exhibition piece and a unique historical artefact.