1935 Riley MPH Two-Seater Sports

This 1934 Riley MPH was delivered new to Hector Dobbs at hedge End Motor Registry in Hampshire, England. It is believed that the car was used by Dobbs in competition. Dobbs, a Riley agent, had a history of racing that included a Riley Nine that, in modified form, won the Ripley Mountain Handicap in the 1934 BARC Easter Meeting.

The Federation Internationale de L'Automobile (FIA) form states that this car was modified into an offset single-seater by Dobbs, and used with relative success during the 1930s. Most of its use was at Brooklands. Years later, the car was purchased by Arthur Dobson. In 1980, the Riley was treated to a restoration, bringing it back to its original two-seat sports car configuration. It is painted in dark red with brown upholstery.

Though the restoration was to MPH specifications, a number of Dobbs lightweight racing parts remain, including Bowden cable operated brakes, alloy steering box and column, alloy rear-axle components, forged eye springs and a special pedal cluster.

During the last two decades, the car has continued to add to its racing resume, competing in many events including Mille Miglia Storica three times, the California Classic Rally, the Colorado Grand, the Coppa Dolomiti, the 1988-1994 Nurburgring Invitational Race, the 1992 Historic Festival at Silverstone, and the 1989 Oldtimer Grand Prix at the Nurburginrg, where it took 2nd in class.

Descriptions & pictures by conceptcarz & bonhams