JUST SUGGESTIONS
JUST SUGGESTIONS
Sir,
In your issue of April last I was surprised to see no mention of the Riley Nine in the article under the title ” Just Suggestions.”
I cannot think of a more suitable car for the not too wealthy, these thoroughbred motor-cars can be picked up. in reasonable shape for £10 to £15 for ’29 and ’30 models and about L20 to 05 for ’31 and ’32s.
Performance is good in view of the weight of the car (191cwt. in the case of Weyman metal saloon), they will give 43 m.p.h. in third and a genuine 65 in top at 4,300 r.p.m. in standard trim, all models from ’27 have four-speeds with silent third and top.
The Riley will cruise all day, with four or five up, at 45 to 50 and will give some 30 to 35 m.p.g., tax is only L6 15s., per annum (only 15fmore than for an Austin Seven) although giving sports-car performance, insurance is not excessive, in fact, my policy was transferred from an Austin Seven without any additional premium.
Spares are obtainable at fairly reasonable prices: and the Riley people give ” by return post service” and their technical department are most helpful, a monthly journal is published in the interest of Riley owners. For those not conversant with this marque I have outlined below some of the many refinements to be found on it :— 18 inch spring spoked wheel, easily adjusted for rake, powerful 15 inch brakes, both foot and hand can be adjusted while driving. Cast aluminium ribbed sump. Bucket seats in good leather,
adjustable by means of Leveroll fittings. Double acting Hartford shockers (on ’32 and latter models). Grouped greasing systern (on ’32 and later models), Jaeger instruments and fingertip control for horn, lighting and choke, 80 m.p.h. speedo. partly calibrated in r.p.m. Very positive steering with provision for taking up wear. Easy jacking and Triplex all round.
Work on the engine and chassis is within the scope of the mere novice, everything falls readily to hand and has been placed there for a definite purpose. I believe a little bother was experienced
with early Mark I and II models, mainly with the rod operated brakes and cone clutch then fitted, but these troubles were overcome in later models. I am, Yours etc.,
Bon BURGESS.
Kent.
THE ALFONSO HISPANO-SUIZA
Sir, Re your paragraph in ” Rumblings,” in the June issue, I beg to point out a
slight error in connection with th remarks on the Alfonso Hispano-Suiza.
The car that was owned by Mr. 1′. W. Burnaud was sold to a Southport gentleman who entirely rebuilt it, but was killed in a Fiat ” Mouse ” before he could put it on the road. The motor-car was then sold to E. S. Maiden, Esq., from whom I bought it early this year.
The car is exactly the same as the photograph you published, except for a lighting set I fitted, a larger steering wheel, and having had the radiator polished.
Unfortunately the ,car was not ready for the Veteran’s Handicap owing to new king pins and bushes being fitted, and the delay caused, forced its nonappearance. I am, Yours etc.,
W. A. HILT,. Hampstead, N.W.3. * *