Riley 1½ Kestrel Sprite. (1936-38)
1937 Riley 1½ Kestrel Sprite
The new for 1936 Kestrel 6-light sports saloon was offered with the Sprite engine, producing more performance and a slightly higher trim level, at a higher price of course! A few Sprite engines appear to have been fitted to the old 12/4 4-light body, but whether these were generally built on late 22T chassis, or early 26K chassis is not entirely clear - the only known original survivors are on 26K chassis. Over the years many standard Kestrels have probably been upgraded to Sprite Spec, but genuine ones should all have the double 'S' prefix on the chassis number. 1937 was the peak year for sales, nearly matching the standard car.
Chassis Types [Approx. Production Figures]: SS26K [70] / 27K [300-350] / 28K [15]
ENGINE
4cyl ohv
RAC Rating 11.9hp
Bore 69 Stroke 100
Capacity 1496 cc
51bhp at 4800rpm
Carburation 2SU
TRANSMISSION
Armstrong Siddeley Preselector 4-speed gearbox.
Top gear ratio 5.22:1
3rd G/r 7.39:1
2nd G/r 10.91:1
1st G/r 18.79:1
Reverse 23.91:1
SUSPENSION
Semi-elliptic
BRAKES
Girling Mechanical rod with wedge operated shoes
13" drums
PERFORMANCE
0-50mph 23.1secs
Max speed 78mph
Fuel Consumption 27mpg
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase 9'4.5" (aprx 2840mm)
Track 4'3" (aprx 1280mm)
Length 14'6.5" (aprx 4430mm)
Width 5'1.5" (aprx 1530mm)
Wheels Dunlop centre lock wire 3.0x18
Tyres 4.75x18
Fuel Tank 11.5 galls
Weight 25cwt
PRICE
1936-7 £398; 1938 £433