1933 Riley Lynx Two Door Special

Probably one of the prettiest of the pre-war sports cars produced by the Riley Brothers, the low slung Lynx has not only the looks but is remarkably sprightly too. The Lynx was launched in late 1932 as a two door, four seat open tourer with an innovative disappearing hood, which folded neatly away under a lifting rear scuttle panel, hence maintaining the smooth lines of the coachwork. A preselect gearbox was often specified, as used in the racing ERAs.

This Riley Lynx is an early example of the model, the date of its first registration was 17th February 1933. We have been told that the motor car was used in Scottish trials and had a chassis change in the late Thirties or early Forties, likely to have been carried out officially. It was in its previous ownership for fifty-one years and sold last year because of poor health. We understand that in 1972, a rebuilt Riley 12/4 engine (generally considered to be a more robust and reliable option) was fitted to the Tourer, along with a Wilson pre-selector gearbox. The heavy centrifugal clutch was removed and the clutch plate bolted onto the flywheel, therefore giving the advantage of lightening said flywheel, competitive types will know this to be a similar configuration to ERAs. The engine covered just 15000 miles after the rebuild, and apparently run very reliably before being taken off the road for a full restoration.

The more eagle-eyed amongst us will recall that we sold this project in late 2022. It was purchased by a friend and client of DVCA who intended to complete the restoration. Very sadly, he passed away suddenly in July and so on behalf of his family, we now offer this superb Lynx project for sale again.

To recap on the work that has been done, in the previous ownership and in the last nine or so months: the ash frame has been fully repaired. The bodywork was rebuilt and restored by SVW Restorations of Hull to a very high standard and the paintwork is excellent (it has also been recently polished). There is one new bucket seat, minus trim, a bulkhead panel has been fabricated, running boards have been made and fitted, new scuttle vents and scuttle weatherstrips are fitted, as is wing piping, door handles and the weather equipment chrome retainers. The Big Four engine has been dismantled, checked and reassembled, as has the transmission and carburettors. The windscreen glass has been renewed and the folding frame rechromed, as have the scuttle vents and the radiator cap. The radiator surround is present but will require rechroming. The dashboard has been beautifully restored and instrumentation checked.

The project requires the following work to complete: the cable brakes need attention, a new complete wiring loom is required, there is no upholstery and hood (although the hood frame is present), and the headlights are supplied but require fitting. We understand that there may be further parts absent. 

The history file contains ‘Riley cars’ by S F Drake, covering cars from 1936 and printed in 1958, the V5C registration certificate, the RF60 registration book and its duplicate, Brooklands books – two copies for Riley Cars, instruction books for the Riley 1 ½ Litre and the Riley 6 (both in well-thumbed condition), an original wiring diagram for Rotax 12 volt, other wiring diagrams, trimming specifications for the Riley 14/6 Lynx, information for braking system maintenance and images of the body restoration and mechanical rebuild.

Auction Date: 1 March 2024