Description
An excellent Riley RMF, dating from 1953 – the last year of production, this capable and comfortable sporting saloon has tremendous style and presence, combining the best of an earlier era’s looks with postwar engineering; including independent front suspension, rack and pinion steering, robust brakes, and a reliable torquey twin cam engine. Twin carbs and surefooted handling still give the car good performance amid modern traffic.
There is an extensive history file:- bills, old logbooks, and MOT are present, showing thousands of pounds spent over the years, including a comprehensive restoration in two parts:
A) mid 1990s – all necessary metal work, woodwork and interior, restored or replaced plus all chrome work replaced;
B) 2006 -full engine rebuild including lead free head conversion, new road springs and full respray involving removal of wings and doors. This cost £14, 000 at the time (£25, 000 in today’s worth). The car has since covered approximately 20, 000 miles averaging just over 1000 miles per annum and regularly started and moved during Covid and months with little use. Regular servicing and detailed recent service log with comments. Carburettors and brakes overhauled recently as evidenced in documents. Most recently, starter push switch overhauled and rear door linkage repaired. Note period correct chrome indicator system is fitted as well as original trafficators (2 independently switched systems).
She is kept in a warm dry garage and our intention is always dry usage. Car sold with new oil change and nipples greased - ready to roll. In the last few years we have enjoyed reliable and comfortable trips and classic events in the west country. The Riley drives smoothly and deals very well with the variety of main roads, motorway and lanes that are on offer locally. Although we have not taken the car abroad, the RMF’s capacity for stylish long distance touring should not be under estimated - another owner we know of took hers to Monaco and back.
