Riley - Not your classic restoration!
He took a photograph of his existing Riley & then by “Tipp-exing” certain features out & drawing other features in, created a basic view of what was required – No drawings, no measurements,…….really just a concept.
A very corroded Riley Big 4 chassis & rolling gear duly arrived & we set about sorting what could be used again & what was scrap.The engine was found to be beyond economic repair & our client sourced an alternative engine & Rootes-Type Supercharger, along with an alternative “Straight-Cut” gearbox.
Working initially from our clients sketch, we repaired & modified the chassis to give additional strength & improved weight distribution for what was to be a very “Sporting” machine (The intention being to ultimately go in for various competitive events).
The original wire-spoked wheels were of the “Bolt-On” pattern but proper Rudge Whitworth centre lock hubs were preferred by our client which brought about quite a lot of redesign & modification to make everything fit & look “Right”.
The rear axle needed to have its torque tube shortened & modified to fit the new gearbox, also a supercharger drive had to be designed & made.
Slowly, the components of the rolling chassis came together & after being sand-blasted & painted, real progress was being made………Now for the coachwork.
Every Monday evening, our client would visit & discuss the overall concept of the vehicle & the shapes of each & every part…….For the remainder of the week, we made up, freehand, the main body frame & then its skinning & then the wings, doors & valance sections……At last the concept was turning into reality.
Once the body panels were made, we had to fit “The Machinery” into a very compact space – Every bit of space within the body was carefully designed to house luggage or tools to give the utmost practicality.
We designed & made up a “Four Branch” exhaust manifold, the supercharger inlet tract & blow-off valves, modified cooling & electrical charging systems.
The dashboard was carefully designed for ease of use & correct pattern instruments sourced & fitted – Control pedals were carefully designed & made up, space being at a premium - Vintage drivers seem to have large feet.
Seats & trim panels were made up & trimmed in finest leather & a hood frame carefully designed, made & then covered with Mohair hooding.The car is painted in Dark Blue with Dark blue trim.
Careful design & building of the suspension components to give the best possible handling within the, essentially Vintage design has worked well.
Late in 2002, the car was allocated an age-related registration mark & road testing followed – The proving of a lot of work was under way. Testing went well & apart from a few minor adjustments & changes the car runs well to the delight of its owner – Everyone who visits our workshops & sees the car, admire it in terms of its appearance & its performance.
