THE RILEY NINE BROOKLANDS SPEED MODEL
RILEY NINE BROOKLANDS SPEED MODEL A FEW DETAILS ABOUT A VERY FASCINATING SUPER SPORTS CAR.
E1NG interested in discovering whether the modern super sports car which is being de
veloped from racing practice was of any use for ordinary everyday road work we sought a trial run in what must be one of the most up-to-date sports cars on the road. As will be seen in the photograph on this page the Brooklands Model Riley Nine is to all intents and purposes a racing car, and it would be difficult without a demonstration run to convince the average sporting motorist, that in spite of having a high turn of speed, this car is as tractable and docile as many touring cars.
The body, which is made of metal throughout, is extremely comfortable and there is plenty of room for two large people. The carden shaft, in spite of passing above the floor level between the seats does not get in the way at all, in fact it seems to make the seating position more secure, and the gear change, which is controlled by probably the smallest gear lever in existence is delightfully easy and in combination with the close ratio gears permits of high average speeds being maintained. The suspension is extremely good at high speeds without being harsh at low speeds, contrary to the majority of sports cars of this description. The steering is light yet not by any means too light for the high speed of which the car is capable, in fact at all speeds it is beyond criticism.
SILENT RUNNING.
The most fascinating thing about this car is the silence and complete absence of fuss when it is cruising between 35-60 miles per hour. The exhaust at this speed is almost inaudible, and the engine vibrationless. Its performance on top gear is wonderful, and although it will not admittedly run very slowly on this gear yet it will climb most main road hills in an effortless manner. Fitzjohn’s Avenue, Hampstead for instance, was climbed in its stride in top gear and no falling off of power was noticeable.
This on a 9 h.p. car capable of a comfortable 70 m.p.h. in third gear ! As would be expected the car holds the road like the proverbial leech, and extremely fast cornering can be indulged in. The brakes, which are delightfully smooth in action were very efficient and appeared to be quite up to their work. The car is extremely easy to handle, and, owing to its remarkable acceleration, it soon threads its way through the thickest of traffic.
IDEAL CAR FOR SPORTSMEN.
As might be expected the Speed Model Riley is not very suitable for the average type of driver who wishes to carry a lot of luggage around with him and does not delight in gear changing, since naturally the car’s performance is totally different when full use is made of the gears to when top only is used. But for the enthusiastic clubman who wishes to use his car for speed events and at the same time high speed touring we consider the car ideal.
With this object in view the manufacturers have studied the passenger’s comfort as much as possible and the well fitting hood and screen give adequate weather protection. The spare wheel is carried right out of the way inside the tail where also are housed the two sets of batteries, one each side of the carden shaft. Adequate space is provided for tools under the passenger’s feet, and the two very wide doors give easy access to the well upholstered seats.
Owing to the many individual requirements the manufacturers now list this car in two forms, e.g.. Fully equipped and stripped at £.420 and £395 respectively and with a guaranteed road speed of 80 miles per hour, we consider it very good value for money. When it is remembered that one of these cars in touring trim won the Ulster T.T. last year (1,100 c.c.) and also finished second in the 1,100 c.c. of the Junior Car Club’s 24 hour race at Brooklands last month we have no doubt our readers will agree that this car combines reliability with speed.