Descrição
1951 Riley RMB 2. 5 litre Saloon
This very eye-catching RM has been the subject of a professional restoration to Concours level resulting in flawless bodywork, polished burr walnut interior woodwork and acres of sumptuous leather.
Fully documented provenance accompanies the car, with details of expenditure, including servicing, maintenance and an engine rebuild including re-grinding the crankshaft, new pistons, new liners and upgrade to shell bearings in place of white metal.
To recap, the Riley returned to the UK from Gibraltar around seven years ago. It was checked over and inspected and the chassis and underside found to be in solid, strong condition. The body was also particularly nice, but did require re-painting. The wood frame was in a poor state and the interior very tired. At this point a major programme of works was inaugurate.
Through the Riley owners club a new ash frame was acquired, the body was substantially taken apart and all rotten woodwork cut out and replaced with new. The paintwork was stripped back and on build-up the car was treated to a full glass-like paintjob in Almond Green Metallic. Bumpers, light surrounds and handles were all re-chromed and the car was treated to a new vinyl roof. The interior was completely stripped out and all woodwork dismantled and sent for re-veneering and polishing. Then expertly re-trimmed with new leather upholstery, brand new headlining and new carpets. The engine bay was nicely detailed and the boot fitted with a carpet, brake system fully overhauled. Flashing indicators and hazard warning lights tastefully incorporated. The cost of replicating all these improvements today far exceeds current asking price.
Understandably the car drives perfectly and silently with plenty of grunt from the 2. 5 litre engine, although it will require running in. It has covered only a handful of miles since completion, hence the new custodian is inheriting this museum showpiece, perfect for historic rallying and family touring. In fact, I would have no hesitation in leaping into it and setting off right away for the South of France.
To learn more about this very special Riley, call John on number above (anytime) Car located in Lytham st Annes in Lancashire, transport arranged at only £1. 70 pr/ mile (one way only charged) See my other British classics for sale on here.
Vehicle History
The car was first registered on the 4th April 1951 and from the two ‘buff’ logbooks we know the car has always been Green. The Riley was supplied new to Always Welding Construction Ltd, Ashe Works, Aldershot. The Limited Company owned the Riley for two years, changing hands in 1953 to Mr G H J Elliott, also in Aldershot. Records show the car changing hands and moving around the UK, spending time in Hampshire, Middlesex, Glamorgan, Gloucester and by the mid 1970’s Glasgow. From the late 1970’s the Riley had one owner in Scotland for over twenty years and MOT’s and invoices are with the car throughout the 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s. In the late 1990's the Riley was taken off the road and eventually made its way to Gibraltar. The Riley was in the hands of a true enthusiast, then in his 80's, and with a large collection of classic vehicles. The plan was to sympathetically restore the vehicle, but this didn’t come to fruition and it passed to a UK owner. Subsequently it was purchased by a discerning marque enthusiast living in Germany from whom it was repatriated and restored. Now back home in the UK for a new owner to enjoy.
Marque History:-
The Riley RM series were indeed perceived as old-fashioned when first introduced. However, their design and engineering were quite advanced in their day, offering a blend of classic aesthetics with modern performance, and were praised for their stylish saloon design, comfortable interiors, and brisk performance, which impressed motoring journalists of the time. The elegant bodywork and well-appointed interiors were well-received, despite their dated appearance.
They were made from 1945 until 1955 and were the last models developed independently by Riley before its parent company, Nuffield, merged with Austin to form BMC. The RM series was produced in Coventry until 1949, when production moved to the MG works at Abingdon. Until 1952, models were marketed as the Riley 1½ Litre and the Riley 2½ Litre. the term RM has been used retrospectively to encompass models produced before 1952.
There were four types of RM vehicles produced. All used Riley engines with four cylinders in-line, hemispherical combustion chambers and twin camshafts mounted high at the sides of the cylinder block.
The RMA was a large saloon, and was replaced by the RME. Both used a 1. 5 L (1, 496 cc) 12 hp (RAC Rating), developed before WWII.
The RMB was a longer car, and was replaced by the RMF. Both cars used a larger engine, new in 1937, a 2. 5 L 16 hp (RAC Rating) "Big Four".
The RMC and RMD were limited-production cars, an open 2 or 3-seater Roadster and a 4-seater drophead.
