1936 Riley Merlin 9 hpSOLD

A very good and original three owner Riley 9 Merlin saloon

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Introduced in 1935, the Merlin was a redesigned version of the successful Riley 9. It retained the same advanced twin cam, hemi head engine design (though the crankshaft was stronger than earlier 9s) and the easy to use pre-selecta gearbox but it had a totally new and very rigid chassis frame, a new final transmission and new Girling brakes. The all new pressed steel body was described by The Autocar as "very good looking" and having "a characteristic semi streamline shape". This particular example is believed to have had only two previous owners from new and its recorded total of 65,300 miles is believed to be correct. The present (third) owner has had the car for about ten years and is selling it simply because he does not use it enough. There are bills on file for both the current and previous owners which indicate that the Merlin has been well looked after and the confidence inspiring documents are borne out when you drive it. It sits very square on the road, riding, steering and stoppping well and, typical of Riley 9s, responds nicely to a few more engine revs after it has warmed up when, reassuringly, it continues to maintain good oil pressure.
The body, which is solid with no irritating rattles, has been resprayed in the car's original Maroon. The leather seats and trim have worn very well and have a nice patina and the car has a new set of carpets. The headlining (with sliding sun roof) looks to be all original and is in very good order.
All in all it is a good original Riley capable of carrying four people in comfort and at decent speeds. It is an ideal car for road and club rally use as well as gentle touring. It is also very good value and just that nice little bit different from lots of other small to medium 1930s cars.
A very nice and affordable entry to the enjoyable world of Riley motoring!

Reference Number 10391

as of 6/14/2007

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Car 1936 Riley Merlin 9 hp
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