Beschreibung
1947 Riley RMA Saloon (Special)
If you’re searching for something a bit different, a classic with a modern-day-touch and useability, this just may be the car for you.
It was purchased over 50 years ago by a Mechanical Engineer, who wanted to use it as a trusted daily driver, however cars produced in those early post-war years could be a bit unpredictable and somewhat underwhelming in the technology department, so in the 1970’s he tasked himself with making the Riley more suitable for ‘modern’ driving conditions, being an experienced technician with an Engineering Degree, plus many hands-on years at BL, he was well qualified to do so and therefore set about retrofitting some unique upgrades to make it a match for motorway traffic, which included:-
Rover P6 2000 TC engine with twin SU carburettors
Rover 2000 TC 4-speed synchro gearbox
Rover Instrumentation cluster
Ford Zephyr Mark III Rear Axle and Transmission
Servo braking system
Triumph Vitesse Radiator
Morris Minor Windscreen Wipers
Jaguar front wheels
Ford Granada rear wheels
Kenlow Electric Cooling Fan
Modified suspension and drive train
(Plus many more adjustments and engineering improvements too numerous to list)
Marque purists may not appreciate this approach, which is understandable, as they prefer their old cars to stay true to when it rolled off the production line all those years ago, but each to his own. Following the make-over the Riley was transformed with enhanced safety, handling and dependability. These upgrades do not detract from the cars appearance, as all above components are concealed apart from the new interior and dashboard. To the outside world it just looks like a very well preserved 1940’s RMA Saloon. It drives however like a modern classic from the Golden Age of sixties motoring which the original 1947 Riley drivers could only dream about.
The aforementioned interior was treated to new upholstery, doorcards, carpets, headlining, all skilfully modernised using contemporary materials. The wooden door cappings and dash have recently been professionally re-lacquered but otherwise the interior is still in near- perfect condition.
The owner used the reborn Riley for extensive and trouble-free touring holidays in England and Scotland over many years. He has also done all his own routine maintenance. Two years ago he partially rewired the vehicle, (wiring diagram is supplied). Five years ago the engine was removed from the chassis and given a complete top overhaul and bottom-end compression check-over, by an engine specialist firm in Chorley. Engine runs very sweetly and is of course a lot more powerful than the 1, 5 litre unit it originally left the assembly line with.
The unblemished bodywork now sports a refreshed paintjob and looks very attractive in Metallic Silver Mink. Bumpers have also been re-chromed.
Comes with a bootful of spare parts, V5. Historic Tax.
For more info on this one-off, re-mastered classic call/ text John on the details below but be quick you will never find another like this! When its gone, its gone!
Economic delivery can be arranged at £1 pr/ mile (one way) but more fun to drive this baby back home yourself.
Footnote. It would also make a perfect reliable Wedding Car or Classic Self-Drive Rental Car!
