Riley 1½ Lynx. (1936-38)

Riley 1½ Lynx
Photo courtesy of Thierry Donnart

Riley 1½ Lynx
Photo courtesy of Thierry Donnart

Riley 1½ Lynx
Photo courtesy of Brian Shepherd

Riley 1½ Lynx

Riley 1½ Lynx

Riley 1½ Lynx




Of all the new 1½ Litre models, the Lynx was the least changed from its 12/4 predecessor. The chassis featured the same upgrades as the Falcon and Kestrel which were the only other bodystyles carried forward, but the Lynx body was carried over virtually unchanged. Some identifying points, however, are that these later cars often had bumpers fitted, and first mesh then chrome-slat radiator grilles were fitted. It remained the only 4-seater open car in the range, although by the end of 1937 production had almost ceased as the publics love of open 4-seaters had faded.
Whilst the body remained almost unchanged, with the traditional cut away front doors, the Lynx was now also offered as the Lynx Sprite with the Sprite version of the 12/4 engine. For the 1937 model year these seem to have outsold the standard or special series offerings.

Chassis Types [Approx. Production Figures]: (S)26L [225] / 27L [100] / 28L [65]

ENGINE

4cyl ohv
RAC Rating 11.9hp
Bore 69 Stroke 100
Capacity 1496 cc
51bhp at 4800rpm
Carburation 1 or 2 Zenith

TRANSMISSION

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 23.33:1

SUSPENSION

Semi-elliptic

BRAKES

Girling Mechanical rod wedge operated shoes
13" drums

PERFORMANCE

0-50mph 17secs
Max speed 67mph
Fuel Consumption 27mpg

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase 9'1" (aprx 2750mm)
Track 4' (aprx 1200mm)
Length 14' (aprx 4250mm)
Width 4'11.5" (aprx 1480mm)
Wheels 3.0x18
Tyres 4.75x18
Weight 25cwt
Fuel Tank 10 galls

PRICE

1936 £345; 1937 £345; 1938 £385
Lynx Concours (1937) £398
Special Series +£27