Riley RM
| |
| Riley RM Series | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Riley |
| Production: | 1945-1955 |
| Class: | FR fullsize car |
| RMA | |
| Production: | 1945-1952 |
| Successor: | Riley RME |
| Body Styles: | 4-door saloon |
| Engines: | 1.5 L I4 |
| RMB | |
| Production: | 1946-1952 |
| Successor: | Riley RMF |
| Body Styles: | 4-door limousine |
| Engines: | 2.5 L I4 |
| RMC | |
| Production: | 1948-1951 500 |
| Body Styles: | 3-passenger convertible |
| Engines: | 2.5 L I4 |
| RMD | |
| Production: | 1949-1951 500 |
| Body Styles: | 2-door convertible |
| Engines: | 2.5 L I4 |
| RME | |
| Production: | 1952-1955 |
| Predecessor: | Riley RMA |
| Successor: | Riley One-Point-Five |
| Body Styles: | 4-door saloon |
| Engines: | 1.5 L I4 |
| RMF | |
| Production: | 1952-1953 1,050 |
| Predecessor: | Riley RMB |
| Successor: | Riley Pathfinder |
| Body Styles: | 4-door saloon |
| Engines: | 2.5 L I4 |
The 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 limousine, and was replaced by the RMF. The RMC and RMD were limited-production roadsters. All RM vehicles featured the pre-war 1.5 L (1496 cc) 12 hp (8.9 kW) or 16 hp (11.9 kW) 2.5 L "Big Four" straight-4 engines.
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 in front. The frame was made of wood in the English tradition, and the car featured traditional styling. The RMA was produced from 1945 through 1952, when it was replaced by the RME.
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, starting with 90 hp (67 kW) but increasing to 100 hp (75 kW) for 1948. The RMB was replaced by the RMF for 1952.
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 through 1951.
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.
RME
The RME was an updated RMA. It still used the 1.5 L four and featured a fully-hydraulic braking system. Produced from 1952, it was replaced by the Riley One-Point-Five in 1955.
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 mechanincal updates from the RME. The Riley Pathfinder took its place after 1953.