Advice on pre-war please

[rogerking]

Hello, new forum member here, looking for advice on running a pre-war Riley.

I have a long history of old or classic cars, and have done several ground-up restorations, recently completing an XK140.  I've got a real itch that needs scratching badly for a pre-war car, and have always fancied a sporty Riley.  I'm particularly drawn to some of the better specials built with pre-war parts, such as the 12/4 engine, and like the idea of the pre-selector 'box.

Could anyone here give me advice on the likely parts availability and general ease of running a car like this?  Are there any serious danger zones on reliability, difficult parts etc.?  Any advice gratefully received.

Roger 

[sprite124]

I've run a pre war 12/4 Riley Sports car for many years and there's nothing as reliable and quick as such a car. The 12/4 engine fitted with Sprite type cyl.head, modern cams (or second hand Sprite cams) with 40 degrees overlap and a reasonably high compression ratio, say 8 to 1, will give you a performance with plenty of pre war style poke. Preselecta box and a Newton centrifugal clutch will give smooth take off and as quick a gear change as you can manage. Obviously your special body will be entirely up to you!

[rogerking]

Thanks sprite124, that's a great recommendation. That's pretty much the spec I'm looking for. Any ideas what the spares situation might be like for that set up? I presume the Riley Register is an essential source?

[sprite124]

The Register does supply specialist parts and endeavours to have new parts made where the chance of finding existing new or 2nd hand ones in useable condition is zilch. However Blue Diamond have been supplying pre war Riley parts for years, so you could always try them first.