1935 Riley Merlin 12/4

DMH 9 is a charming example of a very rare car; only 400 or so were made and few have survived. In the care of the seller since October 2016, he’s used it only gently, primarily for his daughter’s wedding, an outing to Oulton Park with the VSCC and, as an ex-barrister and QC, plenty of Bar golfing tournaments over the years.

Its sporting character was tested more vigorously by its previous owner by way of a couple of VSCC events, including the 2009 Welsh Rally. This latter event explains the presence of a scrutineering label on the door pillar, an electrical cut-out switch on the rear parcel shelf, and a fire extinguisher on the transmission tunnel between the front seats. Useful stuff, should you want to continue enjoying the lively engine and chassis.

And what a mechanical specification it has. Still fitted with the surprisingly sporting twin-cam original engine and four-speed, pre-selector gearbox, it is also thought to still have its original chassis, suspension, wheels, and radiator as well as the factory dashboard and interior.

The blue four-door coachwork is really rather good. With decent panel alignment and an absence of the sort of dents and damage any nigh-on 90-year-old car could reasonably be expected to have, it presents very well indeed.

For example, take a look at the louvres on the bonnet along with the matching ones on the panel for the starting handle. Still straight and true, they hint at many decades of careful curation, as do the lips of the wheelarch, which are free of corrosion and rust.

Sure, the chromework is a little scratched and faded but a car like this carries a patina well, something the paintwork, which looks to be of a good depth and is still nice and shiny, helps.

Speaking of paint, the 18-inch wire wheels are not only in good shape but finished in a vibrant shade of red. And, if that wasn’t enough, they’re also fitted with a matching set of Waymaster crossply tyres, all of which still have plenty of tread left on them.

We will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. Their presence does not, of course, preclude the need for a thorough inspection - something the vendor would welcome, by the way – but it does perhaps give you a shortcut into their attitude towards maintenance.

The Riley also comes with two spare wire wheels, one white and one red. Please see the photos for their condition.

Modern indicators have been fitted front and rear for safety, a move we wholeheartedly approve of. The top-hinged wipers are the originals though, further proof of the Riley’s advanced specification at the time.

As for flaws, apart from the usual rubbing marks and wear you’d expect to find on a car of this age, the glass on the offside BI-FLEX headlamp is cracked, some of the rubber trim is lifting on the running boards, and the trim on the boot lid is loose.

The red leather interior is heavily patinated but then it is thought to be the original, so doing anything other than continuing to conserve it would require careful consideration.

The seats, therefore, are ripped and sagging, and the carpets are rumpled and worn.

In most other cars this would sound like condemnation but the reality is the Merlin comes across as nothing less than charming. Anyone who buys a classic or vintage car must be a bit of a romantic and this car wears its history on its sleeve.

The door cards are in good shape though, as is the wood and headlining – and the latter includes a sunroof, a feature that you’ll appreciate during summer runs in the sun.

Five white-faced dials sit in the dashboard with the largest showing the car’s speed and the time. This is supported by an array of smaller instruments that show the fuel and oil level, the oil pressure, battery charge, and water temperature.

The steering wheel is vintage-vast and contains the controls for the main lights as well as the ignition advance. The gear selector is mounted behind this, giving ready access to the four forward gears and one reverse.

Two ashtrays and a Saint Christopher medal are later additions.

If you’re happy to leave the seats as they are we can’t see much to do other than to tidy up the carpets and refasten the headlining around the sunroof as it’s come adrift at the sides.

The centrally hinged bonnet gives great access to the engine. As you can see, the engine bay itself is neatly presented.

The underside looks good and strong and if you peer closely you can see the modern Mahle spin-on oil filter, an addition that makes servicing much easier.

The seller tells us that he’s really enjoyed his years with the car.

As you can see, there is some evidence of oil leaks underneath but these are common with cars of this type – and many owners appreciate the help they give with rust-proofing…

We also noticed that the fuel lines in the engine bay are perished, so need replacement before use. The car runs, but while on site with us has been reluctant to rev freely, so some recommissioning may be required.

Other than that, we can’t see anything on the underside we’d be worried about.

There is an invoice for a service in 2016 by Blue Diamond Riley Services Limited, a Bicester-based specialist. The bill shows the use of Penrite oil for the engine and gearbox, plus a service for the ignition system and a new oil filter, all of which is a good sign.

As is so often the case with older cars the Merlin doesn’t have much more paperwork but the seller has pieced together a bit of its earlier history since buying it in 2016 and this can be seen on the printed sheet in its history file.

Nor does it have an MoT and while it is exempt by virtue of its age, we would strongly encourage the new owner to have it MoT’d at the earliest opportunity. The cost of an MoT is a small investment when offset against the purchase and upkeep of any classic or vintage vehicle, and it gives an independent, third-party assessment of the car’s condition, which not only provides reassurance to the owner (and any subsequent purchasers) but might also be invaluable in the event of a bump when negotiating with the police and insurance companies…

It was last MoT’d in 2021 and, as you can see, it emerged with credit and we understand the MoT tester remarked on its fine condition.

Eligible for a range of Vintage Sports Car Club (VSCC) events, this charming Riley Merlin 12/4 offers an affordable entry into the pre-war car world, a world that’ll amaze you with its friendliness and inclusivity – and competitiveness, if you’re up for it; should you fancy stretching your new Riley’s legs you’ll be able to choose from a wide range of hillclimbs, sprints and track events in addition to rallies, navigation events, tours and much more.

Or, you could just enjoy your Merlin’s period charm and authenticity by pottering down to the pub, your local classic car show, or even bigger events like the Goodwood Revival.

Beware though; it’s sure to draw an awful lot of interest wherever you go. Cars like this are very sociable, so if you’re a bit of a shrinking violet it might not be for you.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ, United Kingdom. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.