Riley 9 March (Special). (1933-34)

The March Special was intended to sit between the outright racing models, such as the (now discontinued) Brooklands and the more sedate Lynx range. In some ways it replaced the Gamecock, as neither provided full adult seats in the rear, but life was never that simple at Riley! In the end, it became an uneasy replacement for the Brooklands, and was displaced by the introduction of the Imp in late 1934. It is suspected that the survival figure, like those of the Brooklands and Imp, is a larger proportion of those produced than the more common saloons. Approximately 20 have been identified so far, which probably suggests a production figure in the region of 50-100.

The bodies themselves were not actually made by Riley, but rather by Kevill-Davies and March, and were mounted on the Riley 9 Plus-Ultra chassis. The name March, of course, refers to the present Lord Marches father, and has a much more well-known history from the 1960s and 70s when the family were involved in Formula 1.

ENGINE

TRANSMISSION

9hp 4 cyl ohv
Bore 60.3 stroke 95.2
compression 5.2:1
Capacity 1087 cc
42bhp at 3600rpm
Carburation Zenith
4-speed gearbox.
Top gear ratio 5.2:1

SUSPENSION

Semi-elliptic

STEERING

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase 9' (aprx 2730mm)
Track 3'11" (aprx 1180mm)
Length / width: various bodies
Tyres 27x4.40
Weight 17cwt

PRICE

£335