Introduced in 1926 in a humble but innovatively designed fabric bodied saloon, Percy Riley's ground-breaking Riley 9 engine, a small capacity, high revving unit, was ahead of its time in many respects.

Having hemispherical combustion chambers and inclined overhead valves, it has been called the most significant engine development of the 1920s.

With twin camshafts set high in the cylinder block and valves operated by short pushrods, it provided power and efficiency without the servicing complexity of an overhead camshaft layout.

It soon attracted the attention of tuners and builders of 'specials' intended for sporting purposes.

One such was engineer/driver J.G.

Parry-Thomas, who conceived the Riley 'Brooklands' model in his workshops at the banked Surrey circuit.

After Parry-Thomas was killed during a land speed record attempt in 1927, his close collaborator Reid Railton stepped in to finish the job.

Officially backed by the Riley company, the Brooklands, along with later develop...