1951 Riley RMB 2.5

HIGHLIGHTS 

  • Lovely and lively Riley with ‘Big Four’ engine 
  • Extensively restored: see photographs in the gallery
  • Superb structural and body condition 
  • Interior has huge charm and patina 

THE APPEAL 

It may look old-fashioned, but back in its day the Riley RM was a proper high-end sports saloon – one with performance that’s still impressive today.  

There were multiple different variants of the RM model, but the RMB, which is what we have here, sported the more desirable engine – Riley’s “2 ½ litre big four”, which was a 2.5-litre in-line 4 cylinder with a quite remarkable 106bhp, an incredible power output for its day and one which makes the streamlined saloon a lively contender even amongst modern traffic.  

This one is a restored example that has been garage-stored by its last two keepers. Its current owner is selling it reluctantly to make space for a new addition to his collection.  It has covered just over 5,600 miles since its restoration so is offered for sale in fabulous cosmetic condition, the interior still showing a gentle patina that really suits the Riley’s aura.  

The owner also tells us that the vehicle was used as a wedding car briefly before his ownership - and quite rightly so, what a wonderful car to be taken to your special day in, it’s a real head turner!

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THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK 

  • First registered in 1951 
  • UK V5C 
  • MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt 
  • Restored car that has covered 5,619 miles since complete restoration 
  • Minimal paperwork or invoices as the restoration work was carried out by a previous owner using his own skills and facilities, but the quality of the workmanship is evident from the car’s overall condition 

THE INTERIOR 

  • Original green leather seats in sound condition, but with wear, marks and patina throughout 
  • Every bit of patina has a story to tell, it’s a showcase of a car that has survived for the past 70 years and wears its age with pride 
  • The carpets are all still intact and appear to be in great condition for their age with minimal signs of wear 
  • Woodwork across the doors and the dashboard is all very well presented, fully intact with no obvious signs of any damage 
  • Ashtrays in door frames are still present and undamaged.  
  • Green leather door cards in great shape, with very few signs of wear, and door pockets still in place with all of the stitching present 
  • Very smart headlining  
  • Gorgeous three-spoke Bakelite steering wheel with some small signs of wear  
  • Dials and instruments all renewed during restoration and in fine order 
  • In the boot, the carpets remain present and in good condition with original tools stored behind the panel on the back of the rear seats 

THE EXTERIOR  

  • Superb black coachwork in excellent, restored order 
  • Exceptional chrome and trim all-round with no wear or major deterioration 
  • Minor ageing to Riley badges 
  • External headlamps and tail lamps in very smart, well-preserved condition  
  • Black painted wheels with chrome trims in very good order 
  • ‘Suicide’ front doors and conventionally hinged rears, all in good order and well-aligned 
  • Overall in great shape – a truly handsome car with no major flaws at all 

THE MECHANICS  

  • 2.5-litre ‘Big Four’ 
  • Four-speed manual transmission with syncromesh on top three ratios 
  • Well-maintained and in  great running order 
  • All electric components work and car is fitted with an isolator switch 
  • Recent new front shock absorbers 
  • Very clean and tidy engine bay 
  • Vendor reports that the car is in good mechanical order with no known faults or problems 

SUMMARY 

The RMB is the one to have as far as Riley’s last independently designed and manufactured sports saloons are concerned and this one is an absolute gem of an example – it’s in stunning restored condition, delightfully detailed but with an irreplaceable patina to its interior that adds a further layer of charm. It’s a delightful old thing, presented in lovely condition overall and beautifully styled. 

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1951
  • Make Riley
  • Model RMB
  • Colour Black
  • Odometer 5,619 Miles
  • Engine size 2443
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Dundee
  • Location Scotland
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
28 bids
  • To•••• £14,000 12/06/23
  • ba•••• £13,750 12/06/23
  • To•••• £13,500 12/06/23
  • ba•••• £13,000 12/06/23
  • To•••• £12,500 12/06/23
  • ba•••• £12,000 12/06/23
  • To•••• £11,500 12/06/23
  • ba•••• £11,250 12/06/23
  • To•••• £10,750 12/06/23
  • ba•••• £10,500 12/06/23
Message C&C Auction Team

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