Heroshot

1937 Riley 12/4 Sprite

2 Seater Sports
$491,750
Sale Price
$475,000 - $625,000
Est. Range
Yes
Reserve
3 March 2022
Sold Date
261
Lot Number
#1-
Recent Restoration
Bonhams
Auction House
Chassis no. S27S6031; Engine no. SS6031 Dark Blue over Dark Blue leather. RHD. 1496cc L4, dual carburetors, 4-speed, folding windshield, dual aeroscreens, wire wheels, Blockley tires, twine wrapped steering wheel rim, Lucas headlights and driving lights with wire stoneguards, bench seat (original buckets included).

Evaluation: Long competition career starting with the 1937 Monte Carlo Rally with William Innes, a Riley apprentice. Further campaigned in 1937-1939 trials by Roger F. Peacock, another Riley apprentice. Very good cosmetics, chassis and engine compartment. Restored better than new and carefully used and maintained including on the 2020 and 2021 Mille Miglia. 2021 Audrain Concours class winner. Entered but not confirmed for the 2022 Mille Miglia.

Bottom Line: Bonhams has enjoyed some recent success with Rileys, starting with the magnificent $967,500 MPH at Quail Lodge last year and continuing through Scottsdale 2022’s $76,160 supercharged MPH replica. This beautifully-restored Riley Sprite’s racing history qualifies it for pretty much any event for which it is eligible, rendering it quite a valuable entrant.

by Rick Carey
18 April 2022

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