Riley 12/6 Kestrel. (1933-35)

The Kestrel body was launched on the 14/6 chassis in 1932, and soon became available with the 12/6 engine as well. The early cars had the snub tail design with fabric roof and clamshell bootlid shape. However, fairly quickly the design was updated and certainly by the time that the 1934 models were launched. The new model had a more sweeping tail design with metal roof and the recessed bootlid that became so familiar across the range.
It was officially available until 1935, when the 12/4 engine took over. However, it is suspected that at least one 12/6 Kestrel was produced later, as the engine was still available to special request. All of the original run would have borne 4-light bodies, however, I have found one reference to a 12/6 Kestrel with the 6-light body, hence my suspicion that one may have been produced later.

ENGINE

6cyl Overhead Valves
RAC Rating 12.01hp
Bore 57 Stroke 95.2
Capacity 1458 cc
Compression Ratio 5.8:1

TRANSMISSION

4-speed gearbox.
Top G/r 5.5:1
3rd G/r 7.84:1
2nd G/r 11.64:1
1st G/r 20.09:1
Reverse 18.48:1

SUSPENSION

Semi-elliptic

BRAKES

Riley Continuous Cable with Cam-Operated Shoes
13" Drums

PERFORMANCE

Standing Quarter Mile 23secs
Max speed 70mph

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase 9'6" (aprx 2880mm)
Track 4' (aprx 1200mm)
Wheels Six-Stud Wire Centre Lock 3.0x19
(1934: 3.0x19)
Tyres 4.75x19 (1934: 4.75x18)
Fuel Tank 10 Gallons

PRICE

1933: £348; 1934: £358