HIGHLIGHTS

Lovely and lively Riley with ‘Big Four’ engine
Extensively restored: see photographs in the gallery
Superb structural and body condition
Interior has huge charm and patina

THE APPEAL

It may look old-fashioned, but back in its day the Riley RM was a proper high-end sports saloon – one with performance that’s still impressive today.

There were multiple different variants of the RM model, but the RMB, which is what we have here, sported the more desirable engine – Riley’s “2 ½ litre big four”, which was a 2.5-litre in-line 4 cylinder with a quite remarkable 106bhp, an incredible power output for its day and one which makes the streamlined saloon a lively contender even amongst modern traffic.

This one is a restored example that has been garage-stored by its last two keepers. Its current owner is selling it reluctantly to make space for a new addition to his collection. It has covered just over 5,600 miles since its restoration so is offered for sale in fabulous cosmetic condition, the interior still showing a gentle patina that really suits the Riley’s aura.

The owner also tells us that the vehicle was used as a wedding car briefly before his ownership - and quite rightly so, what a wonderful car to be taken to your special day in, it’s a real head turner!

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THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

First registered in 1951
UK V5C
MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
Restored car that has covered 5,619 miles since complete restoration
Minimal paperwork or invoices as the restoration work was carried out by a previous owner using his own skills and facilities, but the quality of the workmanship is evident from the car’s overall condition

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THE INTERIOR

Original green leather seats in sound condition, but with wear, marks and patina throughout
Every bit of patina has a story to tell, it’s a showcase of a car that has survived for the past 70 years and wears its age with pride
The carpets are all still intact and appear to be in great condition for their age with minimal signs of wear
Woodwork across the doors and the dashboard is all very well presented, fully intact with no obvious signs of any damage
Ashtrays in door frames are still present and undamaged.
Green leather door cards in great shape, with very few signs of wear, and door pockets still in place with all of the stitching present
Very smart headlining
Gorgeous three-spoke Bakelite steering wheel with some small signs of wear
Dials and instruments all renewed during restoration and in fine order
In the boot, the carpets remain present and in good condition with original tools stored behind the panel on the back of the rear seats

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THE EXTERIOR

Superb black coachwork in excellent, restored order
Exceptional chrome and trim all-round with no wear or major deterioration
Minor ageing to Riley badges
External headlamps and tail lamps in very smart, well-preserved condition
Black painted wheels with chrome trims in very good order
‘Suicide’ front doors and conventionally hinged rears, all in good order and well-aligned
Overall in great shape – a truly handsome car with no major flaws at all

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THE MECHANICS

2.5-litre ‘Big Four’
Four-speed manual transmission with syncromesh on top three ratios
Well-maintained and in great running order
All electric components work and car is fitted with an isolator switch
Recent new front shock absorbers
Very clean and tidy engine bay
Vendor reports that the car is in good mechanical order with no known faults or problems

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SUMMARY

The RMB is the one to have as far as Riley’s last independently designed and manufactured sports saloons are concerned and this one is an absolute gem of an example – it’s in stunning restored condition, delightfully detailed but with an irreplaceable patina to its interior that adds a further layer of charm. It’s a delightful old thing, presented in lovely condition overall and beautifully styled.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.

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