Riley 9 Merlin. (1935-37)
For 1936, the Monaco name was quietly dropped after 9 years in production, being replaced by the Merlin. This utilised the Briggs Steel body on the new Merlin type 12/4 chassis but with the nine engine, and was seen as being too different to retain the Monaco name. This was especially true with the body resembling that of the Falcon which had only been discontinued a few months earlier. Riley soon realised their mistake, and resintroduced a 'new' Monaco for 1937, but the Merlin remained the cheaper of the two, with a saving of £30 or 10%. It was itself replaced for 1938 by the Victor, another incarnation of the Briggs body.

Unfortunately, the combination of the steel body and the heavier chassis required for the 12/4 models somewhat diminished the performance of the Merlin 9. However, despite this it sold well through 1936 (the only other 9 model was the Kestrel) but was dropped during 1937 as sales dried up, with the reintroduction of the Monaco, and the arrival of the similarly styled Touring Saloon.

Chassis Types [Approx. Production Figures]: 66M [1600]; 67M [120]

ENGINE

TRANSMISSION

9hp 4 cyl ohv
Bore 60.3 stroke 95.2
compression 6.6:1
Capacity 1087 cc
42bhp at 3600rpm
Carburation Zenith 		4-speed gearbox.
Top gear ratio 5.75:1

SUSPENSION

Semi-elliptic

BRAKES

DIMENSIONS

11" Drums Wheelbase 8'10" (aprx 2730mm)
Track 4' (aprx 1220mm)
Length / width: various bodies
Tyres 4.50x19
Weight 17cwt

PRICE

£269