Introduced in 1926, Percy Riley’s 9hp, 1,087cc twin-camshaft ‘four’ was an outstanding engine design by any standards, various versions powering Rileys until 1957.

Clothed in stylish bodywork by Stanley Riley, the Coventry manufacturer’s pre-war offerings were among the world’s finest small-capacity sporting cars.

Representing Riley’s ‘last word’ in modernity and offered on both the four- and six-cylinder chassis, the aerodynamic Kestrel saloon was an exciting addition to the range in 1933.

By the time this particular example was made, the Nine had incorporated a further series of refinements that included a lower final drive ratio, coil/distributor ignition, all-helical gearbox, box-section chassis frame, wire wheels and Hartford shock absorbers, while the ENV pre-selector ’box was an option.

A ‘pre-selector’ model finished in black/green with green leather interior, this Riley Kestrel has been in the same family’s ownership since the late 1950s.

The vendor advises us that ‘BVW 7...