Restoring a Pre-war Riley Special

Dosn`t look so good naked.

I`ve taken the aluminium body off the spaceframe chassis, and it is not so pretty underneath.  However, as you will see from the pictures, there is a very well designed and constructed spaceframe chassis underneath.  It is made from square tube, and the welding and general craftsmanship are very good.  I`ve spent a lot of time cleaning and repainting the spaceframe and other components.  It appears that all suspension bushes, brake pipes, brake linings, etc are new.  Just a matter of checking, cleaning, lubricating, etc.

 

 

 

Taking the body off has allowed me to remove the Vauxhall Viva engine and gearbox.  These are now sold to a vauxhall enthusiast, and a 1380cc MG Midget engine and gearbox has been purchased as a replacement.  … In fact I have obtained 2 engines.  One is a very good, used 1275cc, mildly tuned to give about 90bhp, the other a much more highly developed, fully rebuilt 1389cc unit that will give 120 – 130bhp. … I will put the 90bhp engine in whilst testing and tuning all chassis components.  Then switch to the more highly developed engine once the testing period elapses.

 

I have carefully examined the front suspension system, and decided that there is no advantage in switching to MG Midget suspension components.  The 60`s Vauxhall system was used in many specials and kit cars back in the day, and has some advantages over the midget arrangement. … It has fully triangulated top wishbone arms, whilst the midget uses the single arm of the lever arm shock absorbers.  The Vauxhall set-up also carries a telescopic shocker, which I have been able to uprate to adjustable gas units from a mini.

 

Having removed the Vauxhall engine and gearbox I have to consider what to do about clutch operating systems.  The Vauxhall is a cable operated clutch, whereas the Midget is a hydraulic system. … I`m hoping that I can use a midget pedal, master cylinder and slave cylinder, whilst retaining the Vauxhall brake pedal, master cylinder, etc.  … Havn`t got to that job yet, but will post some info when I do.

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About the Author

Phil Smith is a vintage car enthusiast with many years experience of owning, restoring and using vintage, PVT and classic cars. A longstanding member of The Vintage Sports Car Club (VSCC), The Riley register and The MG Car Club. Makes he has owned include Alvis, Bentley, Lagonda, MG, Talbot and Riley, of course. Now retired, Phil satisfies his 'old motor urges' by competing in the MGCC Luffield Speed series in MG Midgets from the 60's and 70's. This blog will chart his return to vintage/PVT cars.

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E-mail: philsmith432[at]hotmail[dot]com