# Riley RM

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Motor vehicle

Riley RM Series 1951 Riley RMA Overview Manufacturer Riley Motors Production 1945–1955 Assembly United Kingdom: Coventry, England (until 1949) United Kingdom: Abingdon, England (1949–1955) Body and chassis Class Executive car (E); compact executive car (D) Body style 4-door saloon 2-door open 2 or 3-seater 2-door 4-seater cabriolet Layout FR layout Dimensions Wheelbase 1.5 L cars – 112 in (2,845 mm) 2.5 L cars – 119 in (3,023 mm) Length 1.5 L cars – 179 in (4,547 mm) 2.5 L cars – 186 in (4,724 mm) Width 63 in (1,600 mm) Height 59 in (1,499 mm) Chronology Predecessor Riley Kestrel body and 12/4 1½-litre engine or 16/4 2½-litre Big Four engine Successor Riley Pathfinder

The **Riley RM** is a series of [executive cars](/source/Executive_car) and [compact executive cars](/source/Compact_executive_car) that were made by [Riley Motors](/source/Riley_Motor) from 1945 until 1955. They were the last models developed independently by Riley before its parent company, [Nuffield](/source/Morris_Motors), merged with [Austin](/source/Austin_Motor_Company) to form [BMC](/source/British_Motor_Corporation). The RM series was produced in [Coventry](/source/Coventry) until 1949, when production moved to the [MG](/source/MG_cars) works at [Abingdon](/source/Abingdon-on-Thames). Until 1952, models were marketed as the **Riley 1½ Litre** and the **Riley 2½ Litre**.[1] the term RM has been used retrospectively to encompass models produced before 1952.

There were four types of RM vehicles produced. All used Riley engines with four cylinders in-line, hemispherical combustion chambers and twin camshafts mounted high at the sides of the cylinder block.

The RMA was a large [saloon](/source/Sedan_(car)), and was replaced by the RME. Both used a 1.5 L (1,496 cc) 12 hp (RAC Rating), developed before WWII.

The RMB was a longer car, and it was replaced by the RMF. Both cars used a larger engine, new in 1937, a 2.5 L 16 hp (RAC Rating) "Big Four".

The RMC and RMD were limited-production cars, an open 2 or 3-seater Roadster and a 4-seater [drophead](/source/Convertible_(car)).

The [Riley Pathfinder](/source/Riley_Pathfinder) was the RMH, and was the last saloon to be built with the Riley Big Four engine.

## Kestrel

1938 Riley Kestrel

The RM was inspired by Riley Motors' successful and stylish pre-war 1.5 and 2.5 Litre Kestrel saloons, but with a new chassis, which with its Riley "torsionic" independent front-wheel suspension incorporated the experience of the wartime years.[2]

The RM series was a new design, because [air raids on Coventry](/source/Coventry_Blitz) destroyed the patterns of dies for the pre-war models.[3]

## Riley RMA

Motor vehicle

Riley RMA 1952 RMA Overview Production 1945–1952 10,504 produced. Body and chassis Body style 4-door saloon Powertrain Engine 1.5 L Straight-4 as for 2.5-litre Big Four but bore 69mm by stroke 100mm and bhp 60 @5,300 rpm[4] Chronology Predecessor Riley 12/4 and Riley 12 Successor Riley RME

The RMA was the first post-war Riley. It was announced in August 1945 with the news it would become available in the autumn.[5] It used the 1.5 L engine and was equipped with hydro-mechanical brakes and an [independent suspension](/source/Independent_suspension) using torsion bars in front. The body frame (not to be confused with the [chassis](/source/Chassis)) was made of wood in the English tradition, and the car featured traditional styling. The car was capable of reaching 75 mph (121 km/h). The RMA was produced from 1945 until 1952 when it was replaced by the [RME](#RME).

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Riley 1½ RMA saloon](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Riley_1%C2%BD_RMA_saloon).

## Riley RMB

Motor vehicle

Riley RMB Overview Production 1946–1952 6,900 produced Body and chassis Body style 4-door saloon Powertrain Engine 2.5 L Straight-4 Dimensions Wheelbase 119 in (3,023 mm)[6] Length 186 in (4,724 mm)[6] Width 63.5 in (1,613 mm)[6] Height 59 in (1,499 mm)[6] Chronology Successor Riley RMF

The 2.5 L (2443 cc) RMB was a lengthened RMA launched a year later in 1946.

It used the 2.5 L (2443 cc) "Big Four" engine with twin SU carburettors, starting with 90 hp (67 kW) but increasing to 100 hp (75 kW) for 1948 with a 95 mph (153 km/h) top speed.

The wheelbase was 6.5 in (165 mm) longer and the overall length was a full 7 in (178 mm) longer. The RMB was replaced by the [RMF](#RMF) for 1952.

The RMB 2½ Litre models have light blue bonnet and bootlid badges, differentiating them from the RMA 1½ Litre models which have dark blue badges.[7]

A car tested by *[The Motor](/source/The_Motor_(magazine))* magazine in 1949 had a top speed of 90 mph (140 km/h) and could accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 16.8 seconds. A fuel consumption of 19.6 mpg‑imp (14.4 L/100 km; 16.3 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £1224 including taxes.[6][8]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Riley 2½ RMB saloon](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Riley_2%C2%BD_RMB_saloon).

## Riley RMC

Motor vehicle

Riley RMC 1949 RMC Overview Production 1948–1951 507 produced Body and chassis Body style 2-door open 2/3-seater Powertrain Engine 2.5 L Straight-4

The RMC (Roadster) was an open 2-door, single bench seat, [2/3-seater](/source/Roadster_(automobile)) version of the RMB, with a large rear deck area and fold-flat windscreen. Announced in March 1948, it was delivered to Geneva just too late to be exhibited at the Geneva Motor Show. Primarily designed for the North American export market, it was normally built with left-hand drive, with the gear change lever on the steering column. The bonnet and radiator were lowered and the bonnet catches were arranged to be operated internally. Extra over-riders were fitted to the bumpers and the fuel tank was enlarged to 20 imp gal (91 L; 24 US gal).[9]

Eighteen months later, in September 1949, Riley announced future production would include a small quota of cars with right-hand drive. Riley attributed that to a slight increase in the supply of steel.[10]

Instead of side windows it was supplied with flexible [celluloid](/source/Celluloid)-glazed side curtains with a hole for hand signals and, when deployed, flimsy synthetic roofing over a light metal frame. It shared that car's 2.5 L 100 hp (75 kW) engine, and could reach 100 mph (160 km/h).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

Just over 500 were built from 1948 until 1951.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

1948 RMC in Canada

Both the [back](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1934_Ford_V8_(3101907536).jpg) and [front](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1934_Ford_V8_(3101906848).jpg) of the car bear a remarkable likeness to a 1934 Ford V8.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Riley 2½ RMC 3-seater roadster](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Riley_2%C2%BD_RMC_3-seater_roadster).

## Riley RMD

Motor vehicle

Riley RMD 1950 RMD Overview Production 1949–1951 502 produced Body and chassis Body style 2-door cabriolet Powertrain Engine 2.5 L Straight-4

The RMD (drophead) is a traditional 2-door [cabriolet](/source/Convertible), and was the last Riley cabriolet. It uses the same 2.5 L 100 hp (75 kW) engine as the RMB, on which it was based. Just over 500 were produced between 1949 and 1951.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

This model was first displayed in October 1948 at London's Earls Court Motor Show.[11]

1950 Riley RMD A cabriolet has fixed sides to its roof, called cant rails, and a folding top that remains attached to the vehicle. In a cabriolet like this Riley RMD the tops of the fixed sides, the cant rails, the beams over the side-windows, may be folded along with the top. While the hood is being opened or closed the heavy cant rail beams are supported by exterior hood irons. The hood irons, an elongated S-shape when the roof is up, may be seen at each of the roof's rear quarters. A more English name for a folding cover or canopy of a (horse drawn) vehicle enabling the occupants to be seen clearly is a "head" or for motor vehicles in the mid-20th century drop head.[12]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Riley 2½ RMD 5-seater drophead coupé](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Riley_2%C2%BD_RMD_5-seater_drophead_coup%C3%A9).

## Riley RME

Motor vehicle

Riley RME 1953 RME Overview Production 1952–1955 3446 produced Body and chassis Body style 4-door saloon Powertrain Engine 1.5 L Straight-4 Chronology Predecessor Riley RMA Successor Riley One-Point-Five (1957)

Launched in 1952, the RME was an improved RMA.[13] It uses the same 1.5 L four-cylinder engine, and has a fully hydraulic braking system. The body has a larger rear window, with curved glass. To improve acceleration, the rear axle ratio was changed from 4.89:1 to 5.125:1.[14]

When the 2.5 L (2443 cc) RMF ended production in October 1953, many details of the RME were revised. These included dispensing with running boards, and introducing entirely re-shaped front wings.

The RME was discontinued in 1955. It was succeeded in 1957 by the [Riley One-Point-Five](/source/Riley_One-Point-Five), which had been designed as a replacement for the Morris Minor, but never launched as such. This is a BMC design, unrelated to the RM series. It is much shorter than the RME, and was also [badge-engineered](/source/Rebadging) as the [Wolseley 1500](/source/Wolseley_1500), and in Australia as the [Morris Major](/source/Morris_Major) and Austin Lancer.

An RME tested by *The Motor* magazine in 1952 had a top speed of 75 mph (121 km/h) and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 29.5 seconds. A fuel consumption of 24.2 mpg‑imp (11.7 L/100 km; 20.2 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £1,339 including taxes.[14]

1954 RME with reshaped mudguards all round, and no running boards

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Riley 1½ RME saloon](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Riley_1%C2%BD_RME_saloon).

## Riley RMF

Motor vehicle

Riley RMF 1953 RMF Overview Production 1952–1953 1050 produced Body and chassis Body style 4-door saloon Powertrain Engine 2.5 L Straight-4 Chronology Predecessor Riley RMB Successor Riley Pathfinder

The RMF replaced the RMB in 1952. It has the same 2.5 L Big Four engine, plus mechanical updates shared with the RME. RMF 2½ Litre models have light blue bonnet and boot-lid badges, whereas the RME 1½ Litre models have dark blue badges.[7] In 1953 the RMH Riley Pathfinder replaced the RMF. This is the last car built with the Riley Big Four engine, and is thus considered to be the last "real" Riley by purists. It continued in production until 1957.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Riley 2½ RMF saloon](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Riley_2%C2%BD_RMF_saloon).

## Riley 2½-litre Big Four engine

The Big Four engine is a four cylinder 2.5 litre engine rated at 16.07 h.p. under the [British RAC formula](/source/Tax_horsepower#Britain). It was designed in a matter of months, under difficult financial conditions, and announced in the summer of 1937. It followed existing Riley practice, similar to their 1.5 litre engine, but with each cylinder completely surrounded by a water jacket. The fully counter-weighted and balanced crankshaft ran in three main bearings. Pre-war power output was at first 80 bhp (60 kW), then raised to 85 bhp (63 kW).[15] In its final Riley Pathfinder form, it developed 110 bhp (82 kW), and was produced until the end of Riley Pathfinder production in February 1957.[16]

Reciprocating internal combustion engine

Riley 2½-litre Big Four engine Overview Manufacturer Riley Motors Also called Riley 16 h.p.,[17] Riley 16/4[15] Production 1937–1957[18] Layout Configuration straight four Displacement 2.443 L (149.1 cu in)[18] Cylinder bore 80.5 mm (3.17 in)[18] Piston stroke 120 mm (4.7 in)[18] Cylinder block material cast iron, aluminium sump, alloy pistons Cylinder head material cast iron, hemispherical combustion chambers, spark plugs in centre between valve covers[17] Valvetrain 90-degree angled overhead valves[18] operated by twin high-lift camshafts moving rockers with short light stiff push-rods powered from the crankshaft by duplex roller chains[17] Compression ratio 6.9 : 1[18] Combustion Fuel system Twin H4 SU carburettors[18] mechanical petrol pump[17] Fuel type petrol Oil system pressure fed from sump by submerged gear-type pump driven by skew gear from camshaft Cooling system water, thermostatically controlled flow, belt-driven water pump and radiator fan[17] Output Power output 106 bhp @ 4,500 rpm Tax rating 16hp[18] Chronology Predecessor none before 1937 Successor Riley RMH then BMC C-Series engine

## Bibliography

- Ramsey, John (1984). *The Swapmeet and Toyfair Catalogue of British Diecast Model Toys*. Swapmeet Toys and Models Ltd. p. 29. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0950931906](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0950931906).

- Sedgwick, Michael; Gillies, Mark (1989). *A-Z of Cars 1945–1970*. Motorbooks International. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-870979-39-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-870979-39-7).

- Taylor, James (1989). *Riley RM-Series*. Motor Racing Publications. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0947981365](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0947981365).

- Williams, John Price (2005). *Riley: The Legendary RMs*. Crowood Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1861267610](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1861267610).

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-cbe-riley_1-0)** ["British car brochures www.car-brochures.eu — Riley adverts"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230730203148/http://www.car-brochures.eu/rileyadverts.htm). Archived from [the original](http://www.car-brochures.eu/rileyadverts.htm) on 30 July 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-tmg-nov1945_2-0)** "The New Riley". *[The Manchester Guardian](/source/The_Manchester_Guardian) (1901-1959)*. Manchester. 28 November 1945. p. 6.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-tmg-jun1945_3-0)** "200,000 Cars in 12 months: Motor Trade's Plans Fifty percent for export". *[The Manchester Guardian](/source/The_Manchester_Guardian) (1901-1959)*. Manchester. p. 5.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-times-nov1936_4-0)** "Cars of To-Day". *[The Times](/source/The_Times)*. No. 47540. 24 November 1936. p. 12.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-times-aug1945_5-0)** "City Notes". *[The Times](/source/The_Times)*. No. 50229. 24 August 1945. p. 7.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-motor-1949_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-motor-1949_6-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-motor-1949_6-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-motor-1949_6-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-motor-1949_6-4) "The Riley 2.5-litre Road Test". *[The Motor](/source/The_Motor_(magazine))*. 1949.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-rrp-faq_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-rrp-faq_7-1) Malpas, Rob. ["Frequently Asked Questions"](http://rileyrob.co.uk/faq.htm). *rileyrob.co.uk*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-casc-atoz_8-0)** ["Riley 2½-Litre RMC"](https://www.classicandsportscar.com/guides/classic-cars-a-to-z/riley-2%C2%BD-litre-rmc). *www.classicandsportscar.com*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-times-mar1948_9-0)** "News in Brief". *[The Times](/source/The_Times)*. No. 51033. 31 March 1948. p. 2.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-times-sep1949_10-0)** "Nuffield Cars For Motor Show". *[The Times](/source/The_Times)*. No. 51482. 9 September 1949. p. 2.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-times-oct1948_11-0)** "New Nuffield Cars". *[The Times](/source/The_Times)*. No. 51212. 26 October 1948. p. 2.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-oed-head_12-0)** *OED Online*. Oxford University Press, December 2015. Web. 13 January 2016. - HEAD A (folding) cover or canopy for a carriage or (in later use) motor vehicle, usually one which forms a permanent part of the vehicle rather than being detachable. Cf. drop-head - CABRIOLET A motor car with fixed sides and a folding top.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-atozbook_13-0)** Sedgwick, Michael; Gillies, Mark (1994). *A-Z of Cars 1945-1970*. Bay View Books. p. 163. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781870979092](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781870979092).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-motor-dec1952_14-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-motor-dec1952_14-1) "The Riley 1.5 Litre Road Test". *[The Motor](/source/The_Motor_(magazine))*. 10 December 1952.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-birminghambook_15-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-birminghambook_15-1) Birmingham, Dr. Anthony Terence (1 January 1965). *Riley: The Production and Competition History of the Pre-1939 Riley Motor Cars*. G. T. Foulis and Co. Ltd.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-bridgesbook_16-0)** Bridges, Jeffrey; Peal, Bernie (2017). *Wolseley Six-Ninety: A Super Profile*. Birmingham, UK: Wolseley Register. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780956967633](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780956967633).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-times=mar1937_17-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-times=mar1937_17-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-times=mar1937_17-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-times=mar1937_17-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-times=mar1937_17-4) "Cars of To-Day". *[The Times](/source/The_Times)*. No. 47634. 16 March 1937. p. 22.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-rrp-silverstone_18-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-rrp-silverstone_18-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-rrp-silverstone_18-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-rrp-silverstone_18-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-rrp-silverstone_18-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-rrp-silverstone_18-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-rrp-silverstone_18-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-rrp-silverstone_18-7) Malpas, Rob. ["Healey Silverstone. (1949–51)"](http://rileyrob.co.uk/specs/healera/healey4.htm). *rileyrob.co.uk*.

v t e British Motor Corporation cars, 1952–1966 Austin Austin-Healey MG Morris Princess Riley Vanden Plas Wolseley Austin Sheerline Princess A40 A40 Sports A70 Hereford Cambridge Westminster A30 A35 Metropolitan Gipsy A40 Farina Seven Mini Mini Moke 1100 1800 Lancer Freeway J40 Austin-Healey 100 3000 Sprite MG YB Magnette TD & TF Midget MGA MGB Midget 1100 Morris Minor Morris Oxford MO Morris Oxford Series II Morris Oxford Series III Morris Oxford Farina Cowley Six MS Isis Mini 850 Mini Moke 1100 1800 Marshal Major Princess Limousine IV 3-litre Riley 1½ Litre 2½ Litre Pathfinder 2.6 1.5 4/68 and 4/72 Elf Kestrel Vanden Plas Princess Limousine Princess 3-litre Princess 4-litre "R" Princess 1100 Wolseley 4/50 6/80 4/44 6/90 15/50 15/60 1500 16/60 6/99 6/110 24/80 Hornet 1100 18/85

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Riley RM](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riley_RM) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riley_RM?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.