1948 Riley RMB 2.5 Litre Saloon

Vendor supplied images

Highlights

Older restoration in well preserved condition
Beautiful silver metallic over two-tone leather interior and Bedford Cord
£9,000 engine rebuild with few miles since
Recent service and brake overhaul
The perfect friends and family transport for Goodwood

The Appeal

Riley saved the best ‘til last. The RM family was the firm’s last independently built car, a sleek and beautiful sporting saloon that spanned the immediate pre and post war years.

The RM came out post war using new design body and chassis but utilising the excellent pre war ‘Big Four’ 2.5litre engine gave the long wheelbase RMB the performance to match the looks. With exquisite attention to detail across the interior and exterior surfaces, these cars are both a joy to drive and be driven in. Perfect for the Goodwood Revival in fact.

This gorgeous ‘48 RMB was restored in the late 90s in fetching grey metallic with a two-tone leather interior. The engine was rebuilt in 2015 at a cost of £9,000 and it has covered few miles since. The result is a stand-out car that would grace any show or the Goodwood Members Parking area.

A recent service and brake overhaul means the car arrives with the buyer ready to enjoy. And, looking at it, that seems guaranteed.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 1948
‘58’ chassis prefix confirms this car was built in 1948
DVLA records first UK registration as 1st December 1998 which is likely a typo or error
Four registered keepers
Current keeper since July 2015
Previously black which was changed and recorded with the DVLA in early 2000
This restoration included chassis-off renovation covering body and mechanicals
Engine rebuilt in 2015 by Formhalls Vintage & Racing at cost of £9,000
Photographic and invoice record of engine rebuild in history file
Known to the RM Register
Details of previous owners provided by Register and in history file
Recently removed from storage and recommissioned
This work included oil and filter change and brake overhaul
DVLA records show previous MOT expired July 2016 with no advisories
11,827 miles showing on this test

The Condition

Repainted in grey metallic in late 1990s as part of body-off restoration
Paintwork is described by vendor as ‘Ferrari silver’ and is very fetching
Paint remains in good order with light marks to note in photographs
Vinyl ‘Everflex’-style roof in good condition
Bodywork presents well with some minor deterioration visible in photographs
This includes light bubbling to some panels and door shuts
Chassis is described as solid following previous restoration
Chromework presents very well with good finish and complemented by badge bar
Avon tyres present well fitted to steel wheels with chrome hub caps
Two-tone, part leather and Bedford Cord interior retrimmed during restoration and remains well kept
Some light signs of wear inside typical of an older restoration
Veneers present well throughout cabin with only light patina visible
Highly original cabin including factory dials and sprung three spoke Bakelite wheel

The Mechanics

Rebuilt 2,443cc ‘Big Four’ RMB engine
Engine professionally rebuilt in 2015 at cost of £9,000
Twin SU carburettors
4spd manual gearbox with synchromeshg on 2nd, 3rd and 4th
Recent oil service and brake overhaul
No reported running or driving issues

BEFORE YOU BUY

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