Driver Magazine - 2025 - issue 1 of 3 - Magazine - Page 39
ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
One of the most impressive aspects of the Riley 9hp was its three-speed manual gearbox - a relatively sophisticated setup
at a time when many early cars used only single-speed or direct-drive systems.
First Gear: Used for getting the car rolling.
Second Gear: A mid-range gear for normal cruising speeds.
Third Gear: An 8overdrive9 of sorts, allowing the car to stretch its legs on open roads.
The rear-wheel-drive layout was standard for the time, but Riley9s drivetrain was noteworthy for its smooth operation and
reliability. Unlike many early cars, which suffered from unpredictable gear engagement, the Riley 9hp9s gearbox was
relatively precise, allowing for a more controlled driving experience.
SUSPENSION AND HANDLING
The Riley 9hp used semi-elliptic leaf springs for
suspension, a common but effective setup for the era.
These springs absorbed much of the roughness from early
roads, making for a relatively comfortable ride compared
to some of its competitors.
Its wooden-spoked wheels and solid rubber tyres
provided decent traction on the gravel and dirt roads of
the time. The car9s steering system, though rudimentary
compared to modern standards, was well-engineered and
gave drivers a good level of control.
One particularly interesting feature of the Riley 9hp is its
early adoption of fully removable wheels. Something that
was ahead of its time. In an era when punctured tyres
often required extensive roadside repairs, the ability to
easily replace wheels was a game-changing design that
led the way to future developments in car design.
36
