A Unique 1936 Riley, from the Lake District to the Netherlands

A Riley with a Story

This 1936 Riley 9 Ulster Imp Special is a car that immediately commands attention. Originally sold as a Riley 9 Merlin, it was converted into the sporty Ulster Imp model in the early 1960s. Therefore, it rightfully bears the designation “Special.” The appeal of this Riley lies in its appearance. Pre-war sports cars like the Bugatti Type 35 and 37 have always served as inspiration, but are now rare and unattainable. The Riley 9 Ulster Imp Special comes surprisingly close in terms of lines and proportions. The elegant bodywork and characteristic boat tail, in particular, give the car a timeless, sporty appearance.

A remarkable history

Its history is also remarkable. After the conversion, the Riley remained in the same ownership for decades. After a period of inactivity, the car was fully restored in the early 2000s, after which it was regularly driven again. It is striking that the car drove with the same English registration number throughout its life.

The car was finally found in the Lake District, England. With Marlog’s help, the Riley was personally picked up and transported to the mainland. It is now with a specialist in Germany, where it is being inspected and prepared for registration in the Dutch vehicle register.

The future plans are clear: this Riley was made to be driven. Participating in classic regularity races in Italy, such as the Gran Premio Nuvolari and similar events, perfectly suits the character of this pre-war sports car.

A classic with history, charisma, and, above all, plenty of driving pleasure in store.