Riley RM
| Riley RM Series | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Riley |
| Production | 1945–1955 |
| 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 12hp, 16hp |
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. They were originally made in Coventry but in 1949 production moved to the MG works at Abingdon.
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.
All of the RM vehicles featured the pre-war Riley designed 1.5 L (1496 cc) 12 hp (RAC Rating) or 16 hp (RAC Rating) 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
| Riley RMA | |
|---|---|
 1951 Riley RMA decorated for use as a wedding car | |
| 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 |
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 (121 km/h). The RMA was produced from 1945 until 1952 when it was replaced by the RME.
Riley RMB
| Riley RMB | |
|---|---|
 Riley RMB 2½-Litre 4-Door Saloon 1950 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1946–1952 6900 produced |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door saloon |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.5 L Straight-4 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | Template:Auto in[1] |
| Length | Template:Auto in[1] |
| Width | Template:Auto in[1] |
| Height | Template:Auto in[1] |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Riley RMF |
The RMB was an enlarged RMA and was 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 RMB was replaced by the RMF for 1952.
A car tested by The Motor 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 miles per imperial gallon (14.4 L/100 km; 16.3 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £1224 including taxes. [1]
Riley RMC
| Riley RMC | |
|---|---|
 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 |
The RMC was a 3-passenger 2-door convertible version of the RMB with a large rear deck area and fold flat windscreen. It shared that car's 2.5 L 100 hp (75 kW) engine and could reach 100 mph (161 km/h). The car was primarily designed for the North American export market, and just over 500 were built from 1948 until 1951. The gear change lever was moved to the steering column on left hand drive models.
Riley RMD
| Riley RMD | |
|---|---|
 (prototype with 1½ litre engine pictured) | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1949–1951 502 produced |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door convertible |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.5 L Straight-4 |
The RMD was a traditional 2-door drophead coupé, 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
| Riley RME | |
|---|---|
 Riley RME 1,5-Litre 4-Door Saloon 1953 | |
| 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 |
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 with curved glass and from 1954 no running boards. To improve acceleration the rear axle ratio was changed from 4.89:1 to 5.125:1.[2]
Produced from 1952, it was replaced by the Riley One-Point-Five in 1955.
An RME tested by The Motor magazine in 1952 had a top speed of 75 mph (121 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 29.5 seconds. A fuel consumption of 24.2 miles per imperial gallon (11.7 L/100 km; 20.2 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £1339 including taxes.[2]
Riley RMF
| Riley RMF | |
|---|---|
 Riley RMF 2½-Litre 4-Door Saloon 1953 | |
| 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 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.
Riley RM car models
-
Riley RMA 1½-Litre 4-Door Saloon 1949 -
Riley RMA 1½-Litre 4-Door Saloon 1952 -
Riley RMB 2,5-Litre 4-Door Saloon 1949 -
Riley RMB 2,5-Litre 4-Door Saloon 1950 -
Riley RME 4-Door Saloon -
Riley RMD 2½-Litre Drophead Coupé 1950 -
Riley RMD 2½-Litre Drophead Coupé 1950 -
Riley RMD 2½-Litre Drophead Coupé 1952
References
- A-Z of Cars 1945-1970. Michael Sedgwick and Mark Gillies. Bayview Books. 1989. ISBN 1-870979-39-7