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

Riley's proven twin-camshaft layout was retained for the new Hugh Rose-designed 1½-litre four introduced in 1935.

The Falcon saloon made its debut on this new 12hp chassis, which was also available with the familiar Kestrel saloon and Lynx tourer coachwork.

The following year the range was augmented by the Sprite two-seater sports and three more saloons.

In Standard trim the 1½-litre 12/4 engine produced 45/46bhp with a single Zenith carburettor.

The Special Series came with twin SUs and 52bhp while at the top of the range was the 59/61bhp Sprite specification engine that added £48 to the car's purchase price.

The six-light Riley Kestrel is one of the most striking and handsome saloon cars of the 1930s and when fitted with the Sprite engine - the most powerful of the options available - it goes remarkably well too.

Listed in David Styl...