Riley Imp classic cars for sale

History of the Riley Imp

Developed in the late 1930s as part of the Riley Nine series, the Riley Imp emerged as a lightweight sporting car designed for keen drivers. Coventry-based Riley Motor Company produced the Imp to cater to enthusiasts seeking nimble handling and engaging road manners. It followed on from the success of earlier Nine models, integrating a new approach to chassis dynamics and bodywork, which quickly gained recognition among period motoring specialists and private participants in sports car events. The Imp’s conception fits neatly within an era of British automotive innovation, when focus shifted from mass-market volume to bespoke, driver-oriented machines.

Model History

The Imp was one of several bodies on the Riley Nine chassis, produced between 1926 and 1938, but distinguishes itself through its shorter, lighter construction and pronounced sporting focus. Although derived directly from the acclaimed Riley Nine platform, the Imp's two-seater configuration, minimalistic coachwork, and performance-tuned mechanicals positioned it above regular Nine saloons and tourers in terms of enthusiast appeal. Its closest relatives are the Riley Brooklands and Sprite, with the Imp marking a culmination of the Nine’s sporting variants before the advent of newer Riley models in the late 1930s and beyond.

Highlights of the Riley Imp

A defining trait of the Riley Imp is its genuine sporting credentials—lightweight body, precise steering, and rev-happy engine. The Imp embodies the spirit of 1930s British club motorsport, with direct linkage to privateer racing and hill climb events. Only a limited number were produced, making each surviving example a detailed lesson in hand-built engineering. In our available listings, the Imp represents 100% of Riley sports car stock—underscoring both its exclusive status and unchallenged demand among Riley models. View statistics confirm that all interest for Riley sports cars on Classic Trader is focused specifically on the Imp, attesting to its special following among historic car buyers.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

The Riley Imp itself may be considered a de facto special model due to its limited numbers and bespoke construction. Occasional works racers and custom-bodied Imp variants appeared in period, sporting off-road or circuit-oriented modifications—such as non-standard mudguards or lightweight screens. While not officially recognised as separate editions, these individually prepared cars can offer collectors unique historical provenance.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

The Imp’s small-displacement engine is famous for its willingness to rev and its unfiltered, mechanical soundtrack. With its short wheelbase and minimal coachwork, the Imp delivers agility that’s a world apart from larger touring cars of the era. The car is known for lively steering feedback and progressive, confidence-inspiring braking for its day—though modern drivers should note the limitations of cable brakes and pre-war suspension geometry. The transmission feels direct but benefits from period-appropriate double-declutching techniques. Enthusiasts appreciate the Imp for its communicative chassis and enthusiastic acceleration in club motorsport or spirited driving on B-roads. Within the Riley Nine lineage, the Imp is consistently highlighted due to its sharp handling and minimalist appeal. Its performance credentials are emphasised by both period and modern evaluations, making it the focal point among Riley sporting models.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

The Imp’s exterior is characterised by its lean, purposeful silhouette—a compact two-seater body with cut-down doors and a sloping rear panel. Most period Imps were equipped with a cycle wing design, exposed fasteners, and a minimalist windscreen. The interior follows suit: basic bucket seats, a spartan dashboard with functional instrumentation, and stripped-down trim underline the sporting intent. Materials include traditional hardwood frames, lightweight alloy panels, and cloth or leather seat upholstery. Factory options were minimal, but period accessories such as aero screens, competition fuel fillers, and tonneau covers were not uncommon. The car’s aesthetic is wholly driver-focused, with every design cue aimed at reducing mass and concentrating the driving experience.

Other Relevant Features

Some Riley Imps have acquired additional historical value through documented competition use, period race entries, or preservation of original coachwork. These elements can further enhance the provenance and narrative of individual examples.

Summary

The Riley Imp occupies a place of honour in British sporting car history, recognised for its focus on lightweight engineering, driver engagement, and a design philosophy tailored specifically for pre-war enthusiasts. As the sole focus of Riley sports car demand and supply on Classic Trader, the Imp remains a reference point for collectors and drivers in search of authentic 1930s motoring character.