1936 Riley MPH Replica

Registration: XXS 742Chassis: 26K4159Odometer: 48,788Transmission: ManualMOT: Exempt

Replica of the very rare Riley MPH

Described as being built around period-correct Riley mechanical components

Offered with some spares

The Riley MPH was a limited-production two-seat sports car built by the Riley Company in Coventry, England, between 1934 and 1935. With only around 15 examples believed to have been produced, it is now highly sought after by collectors. The car featured a chassis derived from the model developed for the 1933 TT races, with half-elliptic springs and rigid axles at both the front and rear.

First registered in the UK on 31st December 1936, this example is a well-presented replica finished in Red with a Brown leather interior, showing a good level of patina, that adds to its character. The vendor describes the car as being in good condition, and he is a current member of the Riley Owner’s Club and has had just two previous keepers.

The accompanying history file includes invoices that support the vendor’s description, a collection of historic MOT certificates, and further invoices for maintenance work, with parts sourced through the official Riley Spares Register.

We are grateful to the car’s original builder for supplying the following information:

The car was constructed by the builder between 1978 and 1983 and has been used continuously ever since. It is built around period-correct Riley mechanical components, including the engine, chassis, axles and steering, while also benefiting from a modern radiator with an electric fan. The correct six-cylinder engine is described as mildly tuned and in very good order, with the big ends converted to shell bearings.

Further mechanical upgrades include a Triumph STG overdrive gearbox, providing overdrive in all forward gears, and a post-war Riley differential that allows for more relaxed cruising at higher speeds. Capable of cruising at 70mph all day, the correct 15-inch brakes have been converted to hydraulic operation, and adjustable gas Spax shock absorbers are fitted.

All of the wheels have been re-spoked and the splines are described as very good, with two new tyres also fitted. The glass fibre body tub and wings were moulded from an original car, making them dimensionally correct, while the bonnet and doors are alloy. The paintwork and hood are noted as looking a little tired, with some panels showing micro-blistering.

The car has been driven extensively across Europe, including numerous trips to Le Mans, and is described by the builder as fast, comfortable and reliable, with the added benefit of weather protection.

The car was put on the road after its initial construction and was then steadily developed over the following years. In 1983, a Riley engine fitted with six carburettors was installed, followed by the conversion of the brakes to hydraulic operation in 1985 and the conversion of the shock absorbers in 1987. A 4.2 differential was fitted in 1988, and an alloy fuel tank was added the following year.

In 1990, the car was registered with the number noted as ‘DJ? 67’, before travelling to Le Mans in 1991. The cooling system was improved in 1992 with an enlarged radiator and the addition of a Kenlowe fan. An exhaust manifold was fitted in 1993, followed by SU carburettors in 1994. Further work included new rear hubs, new rear wheel centres and the re-spoking of all four wheels.

The car completed a trip to Italy in 1995 and was later registered again in 1998, with the registration noted as ‘JJP’. That same year, it suffered a broken crank while in Scotland. In 2004, it made another trip to Le Mans, noted as being with ‘Al’. The MPH Replica is supplied with a number of spares and the current V5C Registration Document.