1937 | Riley Nine Monaco

The Riley Nine (9 hp being the official RAC rating) was first shown at the 1926 Motor Show, with sales beginning early in 1927. The car was available in a variety of body styles during its production life – 4-door Tourer and saloon; sports tourer; fixed-head coupé; drop-head coupé – all powered by the Riley 1089 cc, twin-cam, ohv motor. The earliest cars were fabric-bodied but the range moved to all-metal bodies on revised chassis as the ‘30s progressed. The Riley company was bought by Lord Nuffield in 1938 and production of the Nine ceased, with around 30,000 in total built. 

With the aim providing a small, luxury, light saloon car, the 4-door ‘Monaco’ model was built right from the start. Initially with a fabric body, the model was available almost to the end of production, albeit as a metal-bodied variant on a revised (larger and stronger) chassis. The Monaco 6 Light with which we are concerned here, was only in production for the years of 1936/7 and with its revised body was quite different to the earlier variants.

This Riley Nine was first registered in the UK as FPJ 681 in August 1937. It is unusual in that rather than having the regular 4-speed pre-selector gearbox fitted to most of the cars sold, it has the rare 3-speed floor change with dual overdrive. It is believed that only around 20 such cars were built. We don’t have much in the way of detailed history for the car – there is a photo of the car with a previous owner some 60 years ago – but do know that prior to its purchase by a Guernsey resident in 2019, it was the subject of much mechanical refurbishment between 2011 and 2014.

The ‘Special Series’ twin carburettor engine is good for a claimed 42 bhp and was expected to push the car along at just over 60 mph. Driving very well at present, the refurbishment work included new pistons and liners; re-faced cylinder head; re-profiled camshaft and new cam followers. The clutch has been re-lined and the gearbox refurbished and rebuilt. This work was carried out by Riley specialist, Blue Diamond Services of Somerset. An electric cooling fan has been fitted.

Strikingly finished in a two-tone green paint scheme, the airy, 6 Light bodywork is in a generally very good condition with all brightwork present. Being the last of the line, it has the largest and strongest chassis fitted to the series- which is in a solid condition.

Much of the interior has clearly been refurbished at some point in the past, but all still remains in keeping with what appears to be the original, patinated rear seat. Dashboard and wooden trim is all present and in good condition. A sliding fabric sunroof is fitted.

The Riley 9 was a very well-regarded light car of the pre-War period. With innovative mechanicals, it was quick – for its time - and the 4-door Monaco model was stylish and spacious. With an enthusiastic owners club in the UK (The Riley Motor Club) it still has good present-day popularity.

Whilst not in perfect condition, this is a smart, tidy and very drivable example of a vintage English sporting saloon, ready to be cherished by a new owner.