Riley Kestrel
ENGINE 1098cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 55bhp@5500rpm TORQUE 62ft lb@2500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 88mph 0-60MPH 15.9sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 24-33mpg TRANSMISSION FWD, 4-speed man MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 99,409 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
This twin-carb Kestrel has an uprated Cooper cylinder head so it feels lively and happy at higher revs and seems to have more urgency than the later 1275cc unit. Gear selection is precise and the clutch bites at just over half pedal travel. The Hydrolastic suspension rides pleasantly and front disc brakes see the nose dip under firm braking.
BODYWORK CHECK
The deep black gloss finish is virtually faultless with no evidence of the recent ‘back to bare metal’ body renovation, though a small touch-in is required to the sill immediately beneath the nearside front door. Panels are straight with exact gaps and the underneath looks superb, with a thin coat of protection over solid steel. Fresh rubber seals have been fitted to the front and rear screens, but the window scraper seals could do with replacing. Brightwork is impressive with perfect bumpers and door handles although the rear light surrounds are slightly pitted and the offside rear wheel embellisher has lost its lustre.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The negligibly worn green leather seat covers and matching carpets are recent replacements and new Furflux trim fitted has been fitted to all door apertures. There’s a slight crack to the veneer on the glove box lid and while the door cards have aged well a perfectionist may want to replace the door pockets. The radio has been removed but the aerial is still fitted along with a small 1970s-style speaker on the rear parcel shelf. The steering wheel and roof lining are original, with the odd mark adding to the car’s character. Every switch and gauge works as it should.
UNDER THE BONNET
Both the engine and gearbox casings have been freshly painted and there are no obvious oil or water leaks. The slam panel and guttering have been painted to the same standard as the exterior, while the bay area and radiator are satin black. Originality extends to the factory windscreen washer bottle and cloth-wrapped wiring loom. The history file contains MoT records from 2006 with the last ticket expiring last October. Dozens of images taken towards the end of last year show every stage of the comprehensive body restoration and there are invoices for detailing work. These do not however include the replacement interior that was fitted at the same time.
THE CCW VIEW
Just 150 Kestrels remain on the road today and this rare MkI is lacking in only one department – early history. The vendor is seeking further information but has images courtesy of Trickett Welding in Dorset covering every stage of the quality body restoration. This cost more than its current sale price, so it looks like good value.