The March Special bodies were built by Kevill-Davies and March (of which the Grandfather of the current Earl of March was a partner) mounted on the ‘32/‘33 Riley ‘Plus Ultra’ chassis. Approximately 53 of this model are believed to have been built of which some 27 are identified by both chassis and registration numbers. A list of surviving March Specials is included in the documentation and it is believed that only a handful are currently in good, roadworthy condition.
Intended to sit between the outright competition models and the 4 seat Lynx Tourer, the March Special was quite an exclusive sporting car, priced at £335 in 1933 and was listed for the 1932/33 Seasons only.
This car was registered on 27/3/33 and has chassis number 6019646. A major rebuild was undertaken during 2009/10 by Riley marque specialist Keith Pointing – there are supporting invoices for work totalling c£27k.
The car has benefited from a fully rebuilt engine during the last few months and it is still 'running in' having covered only around 150 miles. A Kenlowe fan is fitted along with a 4 branch stainless steel exhaust manifold and system. The gearbox has been rebuilt with close ratio gears and a Brooklands remote change is fitted as original. A 4.77:1 rear axle ratio makes for more relaxed cruising. Another worthwhile modification has been the hydraulic brake conversion – using the original backplates.
The coachwork was fully restored and the cockpit trimmed in new leather. Flashing indicators and halogen headlamp bulbs have been fitted for safety and the wheels have been rebuilt and are shod with Blockley tyres.
All in all this is an excellent example of this highly desirable sporting Riley which is a delight to drive, offering, as it does, strong performance with good braking and handling.
The car is well known to The Riley Register and is supplied with an extensive file of history and documentation. Ownership history dates back to 1955 and a Buff RF60 Log Book is supplied. This car was sold by us a couple of years ago and is now unexpectedly for sale again due to the vendor changing his collection.
For more information please call me on 07710-364945 or 01420-474919.
We are located south of the Hindhead Tunnel (A3) between Petersfield and Alton. Viewing by prior appointment please.
Delivery can be arranged at very competitive rates.