Highlights
- One of only 507 built, and only 150 known to remain
- Genuine, rare UK-market car
- New hood and removable side windows replaced last year
- Comes with a comprehensive history file, including the original Buff logbook and first number plate
The Appeal
Immediately post-war, Riley were clearly confident that they knew exactly what the market needed. They noted the sudden influx of American servicemen returning home with their MGs and Jaguars and decided it was just the ticket to stardom. As a result, the company looked over to their RMB and opted to lop the top off, strengthen the car up and lower its overridden bumper into what we now know as the delightfully American 'Cowcatcher'.
Only a spot over 500 were built, and ironically, didn't see much demand in the USA. The vast majority went to Australia, and a fair few to Europe - a small chunk even stayed domestic, despite their American targeting. As a result, most British customers had to make do with a left-hand-drive car, which must have been pretty disorientating at a time when the UK market was so insular. All the same, the Riley RMC's low-slung profile, decidedly British lineage and powerful 2.5-litre engine made it a bit of a sleeper sports car, and it now sits handsomely as a bit of a curio classic.
It's a pretty remarkable bit of history - that post-war optimism with decidedly prewar looks is impossible not to smile at, and thanks to its heady period-style performance, it's still a fun drive to boot. As a result, we're expecting this 1949 car to garner plenty of interest. Accompanied by an enormous paperwork file, verifying its origins, this British example of the RMC has been cherished, and even carries its original logbook and number plate for the discerning enthusiast. This isn't one to be missed!
The History and Paperwork
- Registered in 1949
- The DVLA records 5 previous keepers
- In current ownership since 2017
- MOT exempt and last tested in 2011
- Original first number plate included in the sale
Comes with a comprehensive history file, including:
- V5c
- Buff logbook
- A selection of Riley club ephemera, including rally pamphlets et al
- An enormous stack of invoices, largely from the RM Riley Club
- An impressive selection of old MOT certificates
The Condition
- Beguiling pre-war lines with a distinctive metallic green and black two-tone colour scheme
- Bodywork appears solid with no obvious signs of corrosion
- No sign of any significant dents or dings - only age-commensurate wear
- Paintwork has some minor imperfections and paint bubbles in a few places
- Some gentle paint chips on the door and panel shuts
- However, none of this is particularly intrusive
- Soft top and removable side windows are in fine fettle, having been replaced early last year
Colour-matched wheels in good condition - Interior presents well with no rips or tears
- The upholstery on the bench seat is sound, with a charming patina
- The dashboard carries light signs of wear, but is very evocative
- Light wear to the period steering wheel
- All dashboard instrument clusters are reported to work as they should
The Mechanics
- Powered by the venerable 2.5-litre Riley 4-cylinder engine
- Manual transmission
- Engine bay is in good condition with mostly original parts intact
- We've no reports of any mechanical issues throughout
- The told the car starts and drives well, having been driven 15-20 miles without any issues
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