Riley RM

Riley RM Series Overview Manufacturer Riley Production 1945–1955 Dimensions Wheelbase 1.5 L cars - 112 inches (2.84 m) 2.5 L cars - 119 inches (3.02 m) Length 1.5 L cars - 179 inches (4.54 m) 2.5 L cars - 186 inches (4.72 m) Width 63 inches (1.60 m) Chronology Predecessor Riley 12hp, 16hp

Riley RMA Overview Production 1945–1952 10,504 produced. Body and chassis Body style 4-door saloon Powertrain Engine 1.5 L Straight-4 Chronology Successor Riley RME

Riley RMB Overview Production 1946–1952 6900 produced Body and chassis Body style 4-door saloon Powertrain Engine 2.5 L Straight-4 Chronology Successor Riley RMF

Riley RMC Overview Production 1948–1951 507 produced Body and chassis Body style 2-door 3 seat convertible Powertrain Engine 2.5 L Straight-4

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

Riley 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

Riley 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 Riley RM Series was the last automobile series developed independently by Riley. RM vehicles were produced from 1945, after World War II, through the 1952 merger of the Riley's Nuffield Organisation with Austin to form BMC. The RM family would become known as the pinnacle of Riley's products.

There were three types of RM vehicles produced: The RMA was a large saloon, and was replaced by the RME. The RMB was an even larger car, and was replaced by the RMF. The RMC and RMD were limited-production roadsters.

Allof the RM vehicles featured the pre-war Riley designed 1.5 L (1496 cc) 12 hp (8.9 kW) or 16 hp (11.9 kW) 2.5 L "Big Four" straight-4 engines with twin camshafts mounted high at the sides of the cylinder block and hemispherical combustion chambers.

Riley RMA

The RMA was the first post-war Riley. It used the 1.5 L engine and was equipped with hydro-mechanical brakes and an independent suspension using torsion bars in front. The frame was made of wood in the English tradition, and the car featured traditional styling. The car was capable of reaching 75 mph. The RMA was produced from 1945 until 1952 when it was replaced by the RME.

Riley RMB

The RMB was an enlarged RMA and was launched a year later in 1945. 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 top speed. The RMB was replaced by the RMF for 1952.

Riley RMC

The RMC was a 3-passenger 2-door convertible version of the RMB. It shared that car's 2.5 L 100 hp (75 kW) engine and could reach 100 mph (161 km/h). The car was designed for American export, and just over 500 were built from 1948 until 1951.

Riley RMD

The RMD was a traditional 2-door drophead coupe, the last convertible to wear the Riley name. It used 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.

Riley RME

The RME was an updated RMA. It still used the 1.5 L four and featured a fully-hydraulic braking system. The body had an enlarged rear window and from 1954 no running boards. Produced from 1952, it was replaced by the Riley One-Point-Five in 1955.

Riley RMF

The RMF replaced the big RMB limousine in 1952. It shared that car's 2.5 L "Big Four" engine as well as the mechanical updates from the RME. The RMH Riley Pathfinder , last of the Riley "Big Fours", and thus the last real Riley, took its place after 1953 and continued in production until 1957.

References

• A-Z of Cars 1945-1970. Michael Sedgwick and Mark Gillies. Bayview Books. 1989. ISBN 1-870979-39-7