Despite producing some fine small saloons and sporting cars, and carving out an enviable competition record for itself during the early 1930s, Riley had lost its battle to remain independent by the decade's end and was part of the Nuffield Organisation.

One of the last models introduced by the 'old firm' was the 16hp 'Big Four', which used a new and extensively redesigned 2½-litre version of the four-cylinder, twin-cam Riley engine that had first seen the light of day in 1927.

The gearbox was an ingenious three-speed unit with overdrive available on 2nd and 3rd gears, giving five ratios in total, the overdrive being engaged automatically by lifting off the throttle at any speed over 40mph.

When tested by The Motor in January 1938 a Big Four Adelphi saloon achieved a top speed of around 85mph.

Manufactured in 1938, this Riley Big Four carries 'Redfern' four-door tourer coachwork by Maltby, a company founded during the Edwardian era in Sandgate, Kent.

In 1926 company founder John Ma...