Ted Riley Classics

I wonder where this could be going 👀😂

In the workshop recently we had this lovely Morgan which came in for an inspection and to have the king pins replaced.

During our inspection we found oil leaks from the sump, differential and the front shock absorbers. Once we had replaced the king pins we rectified the oil leaks and just like that It's back with its owner in time for the good weather!

If you would like a second opinion on the condition of your classic car, please get in touch to find out how we can help.

Valerie's off on an adventure to start her new life across the pond in Tennessee, USA.

A sad day, Ted reckons she'll be his last 101 Land Rover. After owning many 101's of all the different variations, Valarie has been his favourite. Good luck to new owner Bill, we hope she brings you many smiles per gallon!

🎶"Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?....."🎶

From all of us here at Ted Riley Classics, we would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!

We’re closed now for our winter break but we will re-open on Monday 5th January, see you all in 2026!

In the workshop recently we had this rare 1934 Morris Minor with a coach-built body, in with us to be recommissioned.

When you hear the name Morris Minor you might think of the 1950/60’s Morris Minor but did you know the name originated in the late 1920’s! William Morris recognised a need to build a small and cheap motor car to compete with the hugely successful Austin Seven so in 1928 Morris built the first prototype “Minor” and the rest is history!

This little Morris hasn’t seen the light of day in around 15 years and required a full recommission. We love recommissioning pre-war cars, you never quite know what you’re up against which makes the process that bit more interesting. It didn’t take long to get the engine running and we soon had it out for its first drive in 15 years. She was treated to the following…

- New Champion spark plugs
- New spark plug leads which were made in-house
- New Ignition coil
- New 6-volt battery
- New SU fuel pump
- Sump removed, cleaned and re-fitted with a new gasket
- Engine oil change
- Gearbox oil change
- Differential oil change
- A full new exhaust system made in-house.
- New tyres all round
- Brakes cleaned and adjusted & new wheel cylinders
- Carburettor stripped, cleaned, re-built and set up
- Radiator flushed and water ways in the block flushed out.

After our efforts she’s ready for another 91 years of motoring! She is a very original example retaining her sunshine roof and beautiful interior. Another lovely vintage car to grace the roads once again.

If you have a classic or vintage vehicle that you would like to have recommissioned, or require help with your own project then please get in touch to see how we can help.

It's not only classic cars here at TRC!

Earlier this year we were privileged to be involved with repairing eight damaged lamps on behalf of the National Trust for Scotland. Some of you may know that the "Rackets Court" at Fyvie Castle was damaged during storm Otto, when a large tree fell on the building's roof.

The lamps which are around 100 years old had to be restored in line with the buildings listed status. We repaired the metal work and then had them painted by Connor Powder Coating, big thanks to Connor for his help and what a great job he made of them.

Since I haven't posted in so long, I thought I'd share some photos of what we've been up to this summer.

Hear all about our workshop renovations and some of the cars we've worked on. Each photo has it's own description, enjoy!

Ted won a prize!

At the GVRS Annual Rally last weekend, Ted's 101 Land Rover FC won best military vehicle in show and also won the Champion of Champions best military vehicle from the Scottish Vintage Vehicle Federation.

The sun is finally out at the Garioch Vehicle Restoration Society’s 59th Annual Rally here at Oldmeldrum! And we’re here with our usual fleet, plus the little Speedex race car that we’ve been restoring so pop over to have a look!

Sorry I haven’t posted on here for so long, as ever we are very busy. We will be closing the workshop for the whole week next week (Mon 5th - Fri 8th) to carry out some much needed improvements to our Maintenance/ restoration shop. More on that to follow!

Sorry for not posting in a while, we have been incredibly busy. As ever we are grateful for everyone’s patience.

In the workshop recently we had another stunning Series 1 E-Type, this particular example is a 1962 3.8 FHC, now with a 5-speed gearbox and extra legroom!

That’s right, we’ve removed the old 4 speed moss gearbox and replaced it with a Tramec 5 speed. As I’m sure you’re aware the benefits are massive, improved cruising ability, fuel consumption and of course top speed… It’s a little bit bigger than the original box so we had to widen the transmission tunnel and of course alter the upholstery to accommodate the new gearbox.

At the same time the owner wanted more legroom whilst retaining the original seats so, we altered the rear bulkhead (behind the seats) to allow the driver’s seat to slide back further. Headroom/ legroom is a common problem in Series 1 E-Type’s.

Since we had to do quite a bit of fabrication inside the car, the entire interior had to be removed, this included the headlining which unfortunately couldn’t be saved. No matter, we just fitted a new one! With help from our local upholsterer at Parkhead Upholstery!

In addition to these two “big jobs” we had a few little jobs to attend to as listed below…

- Engine service
- Set the timing and carburettors
- Replaced the fuel tank
- Re-calibrated the speedometer
- Repaired the rear door hinge
- Fitted new door rubbers
- Fitted new door hinges, strikers, latches and handles
- Fitted new window winder mechanism

This E-Type now drives as well as it looks and is ready to grace the roads once again. What a delight it is to drive. Happy motoring folks!

There's a Bee in our workshop!

Fortunately not the kind with a stinger, but a lovely 1980 MGB Roadster.

It came in with a slipping clutch due to a failure in the overdrive, unfortunately this means removing the engine & gearbox to replace the O/D as there isn't enough room to replace it in situ. We also treated it to an engine oil change and of course fresh oil in the gearbox & overdrive. It is now a pleasure to drive once again and ready for some roof down summer fun!

Many thanks to owner Alan for trusting us with your pride and joy!

Happy Friday folks!

"I don't know what you're talking about darling, I haven't bought a car all year!"

For sale with us, this incredibly elegant 1938 Daimler DB18. Recommissioned by us last year, and in good running order, this is pre-war luxury at it's finest. Smoother than a Rolls Royce and passenger comfort fit for a king, you really do feel like royalty when you're sat in the back. I cannot stress enough how much car you get for the money. You may have to pry this one from our mechanic as he has fallen in love with it!

A full advert will be issued soon and it will appear on our website in due course. The asking price is only £8995! What can you buy for the same price that is built to the same quality and is in the same condition as this?!

We hope you're all having a good January so far and we are looking forward to sharing some exiting projects with you this year!