Description
For sale, superb Riley
1. 5 from 1958, an iconic saloon of British craftsmanship
post-war, combining refinement, robustness and driving pleasure.
Presented in 1957 by the Riley marque, then part of the BMC group (British Motors Corporation), the Riley 1. 5 is designed as a small sporty and elegant saloon. It borrows the technical basis of the Morris Minor while benefiting from notable improvements, including a more powerful 1, 489 cm³ engine offering dynamic performance for its era. Its distinctive styling, with Riley's characteristic chrome grille and its well-crafted wood and leather interior, makes it a car that is both chic and accessible.
Produced until 1965, the Riley 1. 5 established itself as a refined alternative to popular British saloons, appreciated for its comfort, its roadholding and its character. Today, it is sought after by collectors for its authenticity and its vintage charm.
The Riley 1. 5 was never an "official" competition car in the sense of the factory-backed major marques, but it has forged a genuine reputation in the world of British saloon cars at the end of the 1950s and beginning of the 1960s.
At that time, the British Touring Car Championship – organized by the British Saloon Car Championship (ancestor of modern BTCC) – was booming. Regulations allowed saloons derived from the series, often slightly modified, to race by engine size category. This opened the door to models like the Riley 1. 5, entered by privateer drivers.
Rather than shining at the highest international level, the Riley 1. 5 shines mainly in:
- Club races in Britain
- National events on circuits such as Brands Hatch or Silverstone Circuit
- Lower categories of the saloon championship
It is often entered by enthusiastic amateurs, which contributes to its popularity in the paddocks.
It is therefore eligible for most historic events. (Tour Auto, Monte Carlo historique etc…)
Even if it did not mark history with major victories, the Riley 1. 5 remains associated with the spirit of British touring car racing.
Today, it still appears in historic events and classic car races, preserving that modest but authentic sporting heritage.
The example offered was built in South Africa. Then shipped back to Europe by a collector and finally was acquired by its current owner in 2017. It has since been meticulously maintained.
Many works have been carried out, the rear brakes were redone in 2025
It is fitted with a Delco 1-2-3.
Girling shock absorbers
Front stabiliser bar
Valve, rocker and carburettor adjustments
Oil filter adapters
A perfectly reliable car that will require no work.
Many parts will be supplied with the car
1 cylinder head
1 rear axle
2 new Girling shock absorbers
1 grille
1 steering wheel
Specifications:
Year: 1958
Engine: 4 cylinders – 1. 5L
Transmission: Manual
Colour: green
Interior: two-tone green and cream
