Riley 9 WD Tourer (1930-33)

1931 Riley 9 WD Tourer; Prepared for Rallying
As owned by John Lomas of Blue Diamond Services Ltd

The Riley 9 WD was developed for the War Office (or War Department, hence WD) as a lightweight 4 seater all-terrain (for the 1930s anyway) tourer. It featured larger rear wheels, with higher ground clearance and lower rear axle ratio. The chassis and axles were strengthened, and the car featured uprated springs. Chrome parts were painted body colour, which was generally Army green or black.

The car was also known as the Army Tourer, and was built from 1930-1933, so utilising both the Plus and Plus Ultra chassis developments.
Initially only sold to the British Military, the car was released to the general public in 1931, but it is unlikely that there were many takers. A similar model was also developed for the Australian Military, although it is not known if any were exported. It is not known how many WD Tourers were built in total, with no record of how many the military took, or indeed sold off after use. Five have been identified from old records, with at least one survivor.

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 6.75:1

SUSPENSION

Semi-elliptic

STEERING

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase 9' (aprx 2730mm)
Track 3'11" (aprx 1180mm)
Length / width: various bodies
Tyres 21x5.25
Weight 17cwt

PRICE

£310