Riley 9 Kestrel. (1933-36)
The 1933 Kestrel 9 was a small fastbacked 4-door saloon, with twin carburettor sports engine. It stayed in production until 1935 when it was given a facelift, although unlike the larger Kestrels it retained the 4 light body, rather than becoming a 6 light sports saloon.
The car was typical of Riley models at the time, with Aluminium panels stretched over a timber bodyframe. The interior was well trimmed with leather upholstery, thick carpeting and plenty of Walnut veneer. The Kestrel was easily identifiable from the front, with its twin horns and low roofline. This last was gained by the Riley patent rear footwells, which were sunk either side of the transmission tunnel, rather than the previously standard flat floor found in earlier vintage cars.

Links

  • My Kestrel (sold 2016)

    ENGINE

    TRANSMISSION

    9hp 4 cyl ohv
    Bore 60.3 stroke 95.2
    compression 5.2:1
    Capacity 1087 cc
    42bhp at 3600rpm
    Carburation Zenith

    From 1932:
    compression 5.5:1
    Capacity 1089 cc
    29bhp at 4500rpm
    Carburration: SU / Zenith

    		4-speed gearbox.
    Top gear ratio 5.25:1

    SUSPENSION

    Semi-elliptic

    DIMENSIONS

    Wheelbase 8'10.5" (aprx 2690mm)
    Track 4' (aprx 1200mm)
    Length 13'9" (aprx 4180mm)
    Width 4'9" (aprx 1440mm)
    Tyres 4.5x19
    Weight 18 / 20.25cwt

    PERFORMANCE

    Max speed 65mph
    0-50 20secs
    Fuel Consumption 30mpg