Riley RME

Riley's four-seater 1.5-litre RMA Saloon was introduced in 1945 with low, streamlined styling and an opulent interior designed to appeal to the more discerning motorist.

The cars were built on separate chassis assemblies with unstressed, ash-framed steel panelwork and a fabric-covered roof. Power came from a 1,496cc overhead valve four-cylinder engine with twin camshafts, mounted high in the cylinder block. Producing 54bhp, it propelled the car to a top speed of 75mph. The running gear was advanced for its time with rack-and-pinion steering and torsion bar independent front suspension.

In 1951 the RMA was replaced by the RME, essentially the same car, but with open prop shaft, hypoid axle, fully hydraulic brakes and a larger rear window. Noted for its outstanding handling, the RME was summed up by Motor magazine as follows: “With its many traditional British features, its good road manners and its excellent build quality and finish, the latest Riley will appeal to discerning drivers whose taste runs to an individual car of very pleasing up-to-date line.” By 1954 it had lost its running boards and gained rear wheel spats, the model continuing in production until the arrival of the new Riley One-Point-Five in 1955.

This gorgeous 1953 example was purchased by the vendor in 2005. Its delightful condition first attracted him to the car, its previous owner having acquired it for just £400 in 1993 and given it a comprehensive restoration, retaining as much of the original as possible. Completed in 1996 it went on to win a number of awards and is well known to the Riley Register. A CD of the restoration work is on file.

The vendor has used it sparingly and has kept it in a heated garage. He added a badge bar and it comes complete with its original service book, lubrication chart, handbook and workshop manual. In 2009 he fitted new rear springs and it has recently been fitted with a new battery. Regularly serviced despite is irregular use, it has wanted for nothing and looks very attractive in black and maroon. The interior is original and looks beautiful, just opening the door releasing that fabulous smell of leather and memories of journeys past.

One of the nicest examples we have seen, the vendor is reluctantly selling simply because he finds he is not able to give it the use it deserves.