classic car forum header
Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 
Register     Posting Photographs     Privacy     F/book OCC Facebook     OCC on Patreon

Medium size Pre War MG or Riley saloons ....
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration. Forum Index -> Classic & Vintage Cars, Lorries, Vans, Motorcycles etc - General Chat
Author Message
Ray White



Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 7082
Location: Derby

PostPosted: Sun Oct 27, 2024 11:43 am    Post subject: Medium size Pre War MG or Riley saloons .... Reply with quote

Which is the better car to own now... The MG VA or the Riley 12/4 ...and why?

This excellent Classic and Sports Car article gives us an insight....

https://www.classicandsportscar.com/features/shifting-sands-mg-va-vs-riley-124

I have not driven either model but I expect some of you chaps have.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Rootes75



Joined: 30 Apr 2013
Posts: 4172
Location: The Somerset Levels

PostPosted: Sun Oct 27, 2024 7:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

You know what, totally out of character for me, but not even 6 months ago..we almost went for an MG VA Saloon.

I'm not into MGs at all but I was very much taken by the shape and style, very taken.

Long story short, the car sold before we even had a chance to do anything about it but I certainly wouldn't mind one in the garage!!
_________________
Various Rootes Vehicles.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Ray White



Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 7082
Location: Derby

PostPosted: Sun Oct 27, 2024 9:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Rootes75 wrote:
You know what, totally out of character for me, but not even 6 months ago..we almost went for an MG VA Saloon.

I'm not into MGs at all but I was very much taken by the shape and style, very taken.

Long story short, the car sold before we even had a chance to do anything about it but I certainly wouldn't mind one in the garage!!


I would probably choose the VA ,,,but then the Riley 12/4 also has many fine features, so if there was a choice of similarly priced cars, it would be quite a difficult call.

I found this MG VA ;which although needing a bare metal respray amongst other things, seems like a good buy. I have seen other similar cars offered for more.

https://www.carandclassic.com/l/C1760394

I fancy one in deep burgundy.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
bjacko



Joined: 28 Oct 2013
Posts: 517
Location: Melbourne Australia

PostPosted: Mon Oct 28, 2024 5:41 am    Post subject: MG VA Reply with quote

I think they are very good looking cars. Wouldn't mind one in my garage.
As for the Rileys all the ones I remember and have seen in recent years make that terrible whining noise.
_________________
1938 Morris 8 Ser II Coupe Utility (Pickup)
1985 Rover SD1 VDP
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Ray White



Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 7082
Location: Derby

PostPosted: Mon Oct 28, 2024 11:45 pm    Post subject: Re: MG VA Reply with quote

bjacko wrote:
I think they are very good looking cars. Wouldn't mind one in my garage.
As for the Rileys all the ones I remember and have seen in recent years make that terrible whining noise.


If I were to be completely honest with myself, I think a good Riley Kestrel with the 15/6 engine, coupled to the Wilson pre select gearbox and fluid flywheel would mean it has to be the ideal choice. The extra power, better steering and ride than the MG and the delightful gear-change ...together with the Art Deco styling...means it has to be a better bet.

Strange how I have just talked myself out of either car that this thread is about.! Shocked

Incidentally, I wonder if the whine comes from the pre select gearbox. Not many people are familiar with them now so I imagine they get worn out but are still kept in service.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
bjacko



Joined: 28 Oct 2013
Posts: 517
Location: Melbourne Australia

PostPosted: Tue Oct 29, 2024 6:13 am    Post subject: Rileys Reply with quote

They used to whine back in the 50's when they were newer!
Daimlers and Lanchesters never whined with pre-selector gearboxes.
_________________
1938 Morris 8 Ser II Coupe Utility (Pickup)
1985 Rover SD1 VDP
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration. Forum Index -> Classic & Vintage Cars, Lorries, Vans, Motorcycles etc - General Chat All times are GMT + 1 Hour
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
OCC Merch link
Forum T&C


php BB powered © php BB Grp.