Designed in the main by Percy and Stanley Riley and produced in Coventry, the ‘Nine’ was probably the highest-selling light motor car in the inter-war period.

The first models in the family were the fabric-bodied Monaco and a four seater tourer, both powered by a four cylinder 1087cc engine and produced from 1927.

Due to demand, other body style options swiftly followed; Riley had obviously cornered the light-car market, offering vehicles that appealed to all motoring persuasions.

An optional pre-selector gearbox arrived in 1934 and in the mid-Thirties, a deal was made with automotive body manufacturer Briggs to produce a standard steel body for an updated chassis in the series.

The Merlin was the first to be clothed in the practical new saloon body and was equipped with Girling rod brakes.

Apart from re-upholstered front seats, this particular Merlin is a nicely matured example, complete with the original: instrumentation, dashboard, working sunroof, headlamps and side lamps.

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