1938 Riley Supercharged “Blue Streak” Special

Описание: This Riley “Special”, is composed solely of Riley common period main components. They were not available in this combination direct from the factory and the engine is supercharged. The Adelphi chassis was Riley’s most advanced preWar chassis that normally carried the smaller 12hp engine but still had a lively performance allied to great stopping power from its 12 inch drum brakes. Replacement of this engine by Riley’s largest,16hp engine, the “Blue Streak” dramatically increases the performance particularly when supercharged.

Starting with a 1938 Coventry built 2.5 Litre Adelphi chassis, Beaufort restoration began the long process of transforming the car into this ultimate Riley.Built over 36 months and cost over £200,000 at the time (invoices included)., This Riley has a supercharged 2.5 engine that puts out a recorded 224.5 bhp and it's probably one of the fastest pre war cars available.Incredible attention to detail. For example the running boards lift up to allow better access and Secure hidden storage underneath the floor. Huge history/build file included, with VSCC “Buff form” making it eligible for Prestigious events, Track, Hill climbs, Sprints and circuit racing etc. Hood and Tonneau cover. Amazing to drive and the most beautiful lines“Fit for any occasion.
“Reg: NAS 643 , Chassis : 38/AX/1098, Engine No: 2316

This combination of chassis and engine probably represents the greatest power/weight ratio ever achieved from a Riley before the factory was absorbed into the Nuffield group.
This amazing car built to the highest exacting standards by Beaufort Engineering for a cost exceeding £200000(bills included in huge archive).The 2.5 litre Supercharged engine delivers some 224.5 bhp as measured on the dyno making probably the fastest and powerful prewar Riley. It carries VSCC official “buff” eligibility papers allowing it to enter the most prestigious events, concours, sprints, Hill climbs and race circuits as well as long and short touring. There is weather equipment ,hood and tonneau plus luggage space for two. This Riley is impressive. Even more so “in the flesh”. It has a number of detailed features, such as a hinged running board to facilitate access and underfloor secure storage.

It is built on a 1938 Riley Adelphi Chassis which are quite rare. The chassis number is listed as factory original in the official Riley Register.
The car is approved for competing in vintage and historic racing by the U.K. Vintage Sports Car Club which carries world wide recognition. The eligibility approval is recognized by the issue of the VSCC “buff” form which comes with the car which is fully road registered. Please note that as with any certification (FIVA, FIA, VSCC Buff) reapplication upon ownership transfer is required.

The car was commissioned to be built by Beaufort Engineering for Anthony Chudleigh.
Sadly Beaufort Engineering is no more.The proprietor,Mike Williams,died prematurely.
The specification was to build a vintage long distance touring car based on a friend’s supercharged racing Riley he admired.His friend cooperated and indeed supplied some critical parts.Fortunately he is still alive and well known to me.
The car was finished and correctly registered as a 1938 Riley Adelphi Big 4.
The Big 4 refers to the engine which was called Blue Streak by the Factory.
The buyer found an old Adelphi chassis(38AX1098) and running gear.The chassis was repaired,shortened by 2 inches and refurbished.Most of the other components,including the engine were replaced by original components in better or original condition.To all intents and purposes the car is an original Riley Adelphi except in the following respects:-
1.The chassis shortening
2.The adoption of Rudge Whitworth knock-on wire wheels to replace the bolt on Riley hubs
3.The adoption of a supercharger for the engine.It is a 3 lobe blower built to vintage rules by Derick Chinn (similar to Bugatti) and driven directly off the front end of the engine crankshaft.It blows at 7/9psi.The crank is standard,forged pistons,Carrillo rods and special cam grind and head.
4. The bodywork was specially designed to suit the customer in aluminium.
5. The gearbox internals were replaced by straight cut gears.
As such the VSCC rated the car as a “special”