Fantasy Junction

Description

1933 Riley Nine Gamecock Sports Two-Seater
s/n 6015036, engine no. 49446
Two Tone Black and Dark Green with Green Leather Interior

Powered by Riley’s excellent dual camshaft inline-4 that would power various Rileys until 1957, the Gamecock was a two-seat open sports car built on the recently introduced dropped chassis frame that increased interior space and improved ingress/egress over earlier variants of the Nine. The Gamecock was a sporting development of the Nine, widely considered to be among the most successful interwar light cars produced in Britain. The heart of the car was the unique powerplant, which featured inclined valves, dual camshafts, and hemispherical combustion chambers in its crossflow head, all of which were innovative features and provided the powerplant with considerable potential for use in competition. Rileys with this engine were used effectively in competition, and the Gamecock was one of the most sporting variations of the approximately twenty variants of the Nine that were produced. Reportedly, just forty examples of the Gamecock survive, making this car a very unusual find, especially outside of the United Kingdom.

This particular car was comprehensively restored in 1992-1993 in the United Kingdom, with the bulk of the work performed by Sherwood Restorations Limited. This included rebuilding the motor and carburetors, renewing selected areas of the ash frame, replacing some of the metal panels, rechroming, and much other work. The car remained in the United Kingdom until 2007 when it was imported to California, where it has been kept since. Just 500 miles have been added to the odometer since the car was imported.

The car is in very nice cosmetic condition, having been thoroughly restored to high standards. The restoration is holding up well with high quality paintwork with few marks, just the occasional chip on the panel edge and a few small scratches. The body is straight and the panels fit as they should. The chrome ranges from very good to excellent, with light scratches on the radiator shell and fine pitting on the tail lights, but otherwise few flaws worth mentioning. The glass and lamps are correct and the car’s overall presentation appears correct with no added modern electrical equipment or accessories.

The completeness of the vintage presentation is continues in the interior and engine compartment as well. High quality wool and leather were used during the restoration and the standard of workmanship is high. Both the carpets and leather appear extremely fresh and it is clear that the car has been used sparingly and stored properly since its restoration. The wood was refinished not to a piano level finish but to a level that is more consistent with how these cars were delivered new. The gauges are vintage items and are a mixture of Smiths and Jaeger items. The steering wheel, controls, and exposed shifter are all in nice condition, showing as not as brand new but nicely preserved. The weather equipment was restored as well, in black canvas and is complete including top, side curtains, top boot, and tonneau cover, all in fine shape.

The engine compartment is clean and period-correct in appearance. There are basically no modernizations present, with most of the wiring harness retaining its cloth insulation even. The components are clean and the engine impressive in appearance with its raised covers for the valvetrain, complete with access covers to assist with servicing. The trunk is fully carpeted and in fine shape. The interior wood framing of the body is visible and in excellent shape.

This is an extremely rare opportunity to acquire a fascinating British sports car that is arguably the best of its class. One of just a few dozen surviving in the world and extraordinarily rare in the United States, this car is vastly more unusual than an MG while being similarly affordable to buy. This example runs and drives well and has been restored in a way that preserves the car’s period equipment as much as possible. It comes with full weather equipment, jack, and miscellaneous records back to 1992.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608