1954 Riley RME 1.5 - Reserve lowered

Background:

Riley introduced its RM series soon after the cessation of hostilities in 1945 and the range was manufactured until 1955. Manufactured initially in Coventry, before production moved to the MG works at Abingdon in 1949, the RMs were the final models designed in-house at Riley before their parent company, Nuffield, merged with Austin to form BMC.

Initially marketed as the Riley 1½ Litre and the Riley 2½ Litre, the term RM has been used retrospectively to identify the pre-1952 models. All models used Riley four-cylinder engines with hemispherical combustion chambers and twin camshafts.

The RMA was a large saloon and was replaced by the RME, both using a 1.5-litre engine developed before WWII, while the RMB was a longer car, powered by the 2.5-litre ‘Big Four’ introduced in 1937 and replaced in its turn by the RMF. The RMC and RMD were limited-production convertible models, while the Pathfinder (RMH) was the very last saloon to be built with the Big Four engine.

The RMA was the first post-war Riley, announced in August 1945, with production beginning later that year. Built on a traditional steel chassis, it featured a handsome, traditional wood-framed body in the English manner, with traditional styling both inside and out. It boasted hydro-mechanical brakes and independent suspension, using torsion bars at the front. With its 60bhp 1.5-litre engine, the RMA was capable of reaching 75mph, a very decent turn of speed for a 1940s saloon.

Production ran from 1945 until 1952, when the RMA was replaced by the RME, which boasted an improved fully hydraulic braking system, a larger, curved rear window and revised styling to dispense with running boards. Tested byThe Motor, an RME managed the 0-60mph sprint in 29.5 seconds and achieved a top speed of 75mph, with fuel economy of 24.2mpg.

The car:

Owned by its previous keeper for over 50 years, this handsome Riley RME has been in a privately owned Collection since, though a change in circumstances now forces a sale.

The Riley was treated to a comprehensive restoration around ten years ago and has been used sparingly since, covering fewer than 800 miles. In the past three months, the vehicle has been stripped with plugs being replaced and it has been fully detailed throughout.

Finished in a fetching combination of Taxi Black over Bottle Green, the RME features a black fabric roof. The tan leather interior appears original, displaying a level of patination that would be difficult to replicate and looking all the better for it. With its classically British dash of deep coloured wood, with a scattering of minor gauges between the speedo and clock, it’s a handsome and relaxing place to be with a distinct smell that can not be replicated.

The classic 1.5-litre hemi-head twin-cam four-cylinder engine has been reconditioned and is coupled with a 4-speed gearbox and the RME’s revised rear axle ratio, added to improve acceleration.

The Riley is supplied with its original buff logbook and hand-written notes detailing work in previous ownership, along with photos, invoices and tools.

Summary:

A charming throwback to more innocent times that is still handsome enough to turn heads, while keeping up happily with modern traffic, this Riley is a delight.

Location: Essex

Seller: Private

Photography: Professional