The Riley Brooklands were used by the factory and privateers in racing endeavors during the 1920s and early 1930s. They were used in hill climbs, at LeMans, and numerous other stages. The car would become on of the most successful racing cars of its era, amassing numerous victories and class wins. The cars were based on the Riley 9 engine that used hemispherical combustion chambers and overhead valves. It was one of the more technologically advanced engines of its time, offering a small and lightweight with potent results. To reduce the cost of the engine, it featured valves operated by two camshafts instead of overhead camshafts. The camshafts were placed high in the crankcase through short pushrods and rockers.
