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1934' Riley Big Four
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£8,000Published 11 September 2026ID: yAbUFi
- H&H
- Cheshire
- +44Show phone
Information from the owner
Age: 92 years
Fuel: Petrol
Transmission: Manual
Exterior color: Grey
Seller's comments about 1934' Riley Big Four
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
Viewing: Tues 13th October from 12pm
Auction 14th October, 2026 12:00
Location: Pavilion Gardens St John's Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE
Registration No: MJ 4502
Chassis No: 6025764
MOT: Exempt
Finished in an attractive two-tone Grey
Full ownership history dating back to 1934
Photographic record of the restoration
Extensive history file and supporting paperwork
Offered with a current V5C
The Riley Nine was among the most important British light cars of the inter-war period, its sophisticated engineering and sporting character earning the Coventry marque an enviable reputation both on the road and in competition. By 1934, the long-established Monaco had evolved considerably from the fabric-bodied saloon first introduced during the 1920s, with handsome four-door coachwork clothing Riley’s proven chassis. At its heart was Percy Riley’s celebrated 1, 087cc four-cylinder engine, featuring hemispherical combustion chambers and twin high-set camshafts operating the overhead valves through short pushrods – an advanced arrangement which helped the Nine deliver performance beyond that expected of its modest capacity.
First registered as ‘MJ 4502’ on 21st May 1934, this Monaco was supplied new to Leonard Patrick O’Brien of Harpenden, Hertfordshire, then Chairman and Managing Director of Laporte Chemicals Ltd. Pleasingly, its subsequent history has been extensively researched, with a dedicated history book accompanying the car and charting its ownership through the decades. The Monaco’s more recent story began in the summer of 2006, when it was discovered in Pembrokeshire and acquired by the present owner. A comprehensive restoration followed, returning ‘MJ 4502’ to the road and beginning what has now become some twenty years of cherished ownership. During this time, the Riley has been carefully maintained and enjoyed, reportedly becoming an award-winning example and a considerable source of pride for its custodian. Rather than being restored specifically with resale in mind, ‘MJ 4502’ has benefited from many years of enthusiastic ownership following completion of the work. Having seen limited recent use, some recommissioning will now be required before returning to the road.
Offered for sale after two decades with its current keeper, ‘MJ 4502’ presents an appealing opportunity to acquire a carefully restored example of Riley’s celebrated Monaco. Its elegant period coachwork and sporting engineering are complemented by unusually well-researched provenance stretching back to its first owner in 1934, making this a particularly charming example of one of Coventry’s most respected pre-war saloons.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Entry by catalogue and can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people)
Viewing: Tues 13th October from 12pm
Auction 14th October, 2026 12:00
Location: Pavilion Gardens St John's Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE
Registration No: MJ 4502
Chassis No: 6025764
MOT: Exempt
Finished in an attractive two-tone Grey
Full ownership history dating back to 1934
Photographic record of the restoration
Extensive history file and supporting paperwork
Offered with a current V5C
The Riley Nine was among the most important British light cars of the inter-war period, its sophisticated engineering and sporting character earning the Coventry marque an enviable reputation both on the road and in competition. By 1934, the long-established Monaco had evolved considerably from the fabric-bodied saloon first introduced during the 1920s, with handsome four-door coachwork clothing Riley’s proven chassis. At its heart was Percy Riley’s celebrated 1, 087cc four-cylinder engine, featuring hemispherical combustion chambers and twin high-set camshafts operating the overhead valves through short pushrods – an advanced arrangement which helped the Nine deliver performance beyond that expected of its modest capacity.
First registered as ‘MJ 4502’ on 21st May 1934, this Monaco was supplied new to Leonard Patrick O’Brien of Harpenden, Hertfordshire, then Chairman and Managing Director of Laporte Chemicals Ltd. Pleasingly, its subsequent history has been extensively researched, with a dedicated history book accompanying the car and charting its ownership through the decades. The Monaco’s more recent story began in the summer of 2006, when it was discovered in Pembrokeshire and acquired by the present owner. A comprehensive restoration followed, returning ‘MJ 4502’ to the road and beginning what has now become some twenty years of cherished ownership. During this time, the Riley has been carefully maintained and enjoyed, reportedly becoming an award-winning example and a considerable source of pride for its custodian. Rather than being restored specifically with resale in mind, ‘MJ 4502’ has benefited from many years of enthusiastic ownership following completion of the work. Having seen limited recent use, some recommissioning will now be required before returning to the road.
Offered for sale after two decades with its current keeper, ‘MJ 4502’ presents an appealing opportunity to acquire a carefully restored example of Riley’s celebrated Monaco. Its elegant period coachwork and sporting engineering are complemented by unusually well-researched provenance stretching back to its first owner in 1934, making this a particularly charming example of one of Coventry’s most respected pre-war saloons.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Entry by catalogue and can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people)
