Riley 15/6 Kestrel. (1936-38)
Riley 15/6 Kestrel


For 1937 (ie late 1936), the 15/6 Kestrel recieved the new 6-light body, but mechanically it remained largely unchanged. The new style remained as popular as ever, making the Kestrel the most common model on this chassis. Updates continued throughout the life of the 15/6 models, and it is thought that a few Kestrel 15/6s were built to special orders after the receivers had been called in.
As with other 15/6 models, there are few obvious differentiating features between the 15/6 Kestrel and it's contemporary models with the 14/6, Big 4 and V8 engines. Indeed, towards the end it is thought that the last 15/6 Kestrels had the later Big 4 chrome slatted radiator shells, further reducing the differences.
The smooth 6 cylinder engine remained popular in a fast sports saloon, however, and the well appointed interior would have been another draw to potential purchasers.

Chassis Types: 46K, 47K, 48K

ENGINE

6cyl ohv
RAC rating 14.3hp
Bore 62 Stroke 95.2
Firing order 1, 5, 3, 6, 2, 4.
Capacity 1726cc
51bhp at 4500rpm
Carburation Zenith

TRANSMISSION

4-speed Armstrong Siddeley Preselector gearbox.
Top gear ratio 5.5:1
3rd g/r 7.84:1
2nd g/r 11.64:1
1st g/r 20.09:1
Reverse 25.19:1

SUSPENSION

Semi-elliptic

BRAKES

Girling Mechanical rod with Wedge operated shoes.
13" Drums.

PERFORMANCE

0-50mph 13.5 secs
Standing Quarter Mile 21.4secs
Max speed 85mph
Fuel Consumption 18mpg

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase 9'4.5" (aprx 2850mm)
Track 4'3" (aprx 1280mm)
Length 14'5" (aprx 4360mm)
Width 5'1" (aprx 1530mm)
Fuel Tank 11½ galls
Wheels Dunlop Centre lock wire 3.0x18"
Tyres 4.75x18
Weight 24.5cwt

PRICE

46K £380
47K £385
48K £415
Special Series = £48 more.