Description
The Riley Pathfinder is often regarded as the last true Riley model and represented a major stylistic change over the earlier Riley RMF, giving the car a much more modern, streamlined look. Appearing for the first time in October 1953 at the London Motor Show, the new look was from designer Gerald Palmer and in many ways mimicked the smaller Wolseley 4/ 44 and MG Magnette models he also penned, which predated it (and the Pathfinder’s Wolseley equivalent, the 6/ 90) by a couple of years.
Underneath the stylish bodywork the long-running 2. 5-litre, twin-cam, ‘Big Four’ engine was used (as it had been in Riley’s top models since 1937). Some of the running gear was also carried over from the RMF – such as the sophisticated independent front suspension using wishbones and torsion bar. This, together with a coil sprung, live rear axle, secured with radius arms and Panhard rod produced a vehicle noted for its plush and supple ride. Coupled with an uprated Big Four engine (100+ bhp) this made the Pathfinder a genuine 100mph car – as proven by circulating the Montlhery test track in France for an hour at that speed.
Despite its many good points, the Pathfinder did not have a long production run. Riley cars had long been seen as niche market, specialist vehicles with relatively modest sales. Having been designed shortly before the merger of the Nuffield organization with Austin to form the British Motor Corp. in 1952, it was an early subject of product range rationalisation within the new corporation and production stopped in 1957, by which time around 5, 000 had been built. Its close relative – the 6-cylinder Wolseley - lasted another couple of years.
This example of the Pathfinder was first registered, new in the UK, in February 1956 as WHU 339. We do not have any documentation relating to its early years but believe it to have been a company car for the Hawker Siddeley organisation. In 2010 it was purchased by a Jersey-resident engineer with just 56, 000 miles showing. The car has subsequently received much mechanical work and has led a gentle, well cared for life in the island.
The current owner reports that recent mechanical work has included:
• Engine - crankshaft reground; new flywheel and clutch; new oil pump gears; water pump rebuilt; new core plugs & waterways cleaned; spin-on oil filter fitted; stainless exhaust system fitted.
• Gearbox – all new bearings; new layshaft & first gear.
• Brakes overhauled; new master cylinder & Laycock brake servo fitted.
The Pathfinder runs and drives very well. Of note for a prospective purchaser - the gear lever is floor mounted by the driver's door, to the right of the driver, necessitating right-handed gear changes.
The Riley’s chassis is solid. The bodywork of the car and restrained silver-grey paintwork present well but will benefit from some cosmetic attention soon. Front and rear windscreens were recently removed and new rubber seals fitted. Modern style flashing indicators are fitted, although the original semaphore indicators are still present.
The plush interior of the car has aged well, looking pleasingly patinated, although the front seats have been recovered with new leather. The dashboard is complete and the veneer work (which extends fully around each door window) shows a little wear commensurate with age. Very good headlining. There are no seatbelts fitted.
A stylish, performance saloon from the ‘50s, this is now a very rare car. It is estimated that only around 50 remain in roadworthy condition in the UK. As such, they are infrequently offered for sale.
Running and driving well, having benefitted from recent mechanical refurbishment, the Pathfinder is accompanied by an original Owners Handbook and a workshop manual.
Currently Jersey registered and located in the island, we can assist with (international) shipping and importation processes if required.
