Riley Kestrel Blue/Black

Riley Kestrel Blue/Black

It’s back to the late 1930s and the Riley Kestrel 16 hp 6-light saloon to be exact. Made by the British Riley Company under Percy Riley, the Kesrel was made between 1937 and 1940. Launched at the Earls Court Motor Show in September 1937, it came with a four speed manual gearbox and was capable of a top speed of around 80 mph. The early versions were classed as standard sports saloons, although a couple of years later it became available as a 2-door drophead coupé as well as a Kestrel fastback. A select few of the later models featured wire wheels. It was reviewed at the time as being a smooth runner and good value for money!

Our model, the 1938 Riley 16 hp is registered GMV 543 and for its fifth release, is painted in a two-tone blue and black with solid blue wheels and silver hubs. The four door vehicle features forward opening front doors and the interior is a deep maroon red. Silver trim has been applied to the door handles, bumpers and the radiator grille. A final detail sees the distinctive diamond shaped blue and silver Riley badge at the top of the radiator.