Craftsmanship: 1937 Riley 2 1/2 Litre Special

Certain cars defy market values and need to be evaluated on their merits alone. This is one such car. While the current bid is considerable money, it's probably only scratching the surface of the costs to build this Special.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Riley-2-1-2-litre-Racing-Sports-/290518307767?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item43a43d93b7

Built in Britain between 1980 and 1990, this car has just the right look. English panel-pounders are still the best in the business and crafted a great looking body for this shortened Riley Adelphi frame. The dash and gauges look terrific, and I bet you'd be surprised how much legroom was built into it. I love the blued stainless exhaust, and the detailing extends to the use of correct nickel plating over more garish chrome.

Many of us long for a 30's era competition roadster but are simply priced out of the market. If you can obtain a true example you then have to deal with its fickle nature. This car seems very well vetted, having been previously owned by a series of engineers and marque specialists. Certainly it produces more horsepower than period vehicles, rides on modern reproduction tires and undoubtedly utilizes better electrics. That it is street legal and a two-seater makes it all that much more usable.

In my mind, this car represents all that is Grand and Great about English sports cars- at a fraction of the price.


The car is located in Greisbach, Germany.

UPDATE 1.10.11- NOT SOLD AT A HIGH BID OF $92,100! THE BIDDERS APPRECIATE QUALITY.