1949 Riley RM 1.5 litre Saloon … Sold

Please do not confuse this exceptional example with the usual offerings, as it has been treated to an extensive bare-shell professional rebuild. The resultant flawless bodywork, polished burr walnut interior woodwork and acres of sumptuous leather remain unmarked and in perfect condition, as car has received only minimal post-build utilisation.

The restoration was done by David Brown Vintage & Classic Restorations in Nottinghamshire, well known in ROC circles for preparing and detailing RM Rileys to Concours Show condition. To restore to this standard today, think in excess of £50k!

The body was substantially taken apart and all suspect woodwork cut out and replaced with new. Following a thorough mechanical inspection/overhaul, the old paintwork was stripped back and on build-up, the car was given a full Concours 2-tone paintjob in BRG over Almond Green Metallic. The panel-fit and door gaps were all restored to factory standards. Bumpers, light surrounds and handles all re-chromed and the car was treated to a new vinyl roof. The interior was completely stripped out and all woodwork dismantled and sent for re-veneering and polishing. The interior was expertly re-trimmed with new leather upholstery, brand new headlining and new carpets. All dashboard instruments meticulously restored including the electric clock. Working semaphores along with flashing indicators and hazard warning lights tastefully incorporated. Electric SU pump conversion. Chrome wind-deflectors fitted to front quarter lights. Vintage-look FM stereo radio with roof aerial, completes the luxury specification.

Understandably, the car drives as smooth as a Swiss timepiece with textbook oil pressure and it is hard to believe a better example exists today. To learn more about this very special Riley, call or text John on 07909 231414 (anytime) Car located in Lytham St Annes in Lancashire, transport arranged at only £1 pr/mile (one way only charged) See my other British classics for sale on this site.

Comes with V5, owner’s handbook, old green logbook, tool roll, 2 sets of keys.

Marque Info

The Riley RM Series is an executive car with streamlined coachwork and opulent interior which was produced by Riley from 1945 until 1955. (The pre-war style body was directly inspired by the 1937 BMW 327 acquired by Riley Motors) It was the last model developed independently by Riley prior to the 1952 merger of Riley’s still new owner Nuffield, with Austin to form BMC. The RM series was originally produced in Coventry, but in 1949 production moved to the MG works at Abingdon. The RM models were marketed as the Riley 1½ Litre and the Riley 2½ Litre.

There were three types of RM vehicles produced. All used Riley engines with four cylinders in-line, hemispherical combustion chambers and twin camshafts mounted high at the sides of the cylinder block.

The RMA was a large saloon, and was replaced by the RME. Both used a 1.5 L (1496 cc) 12 hp (RAC Rating), developed before WWII.

The RMB was a longer car: it was replaced by the RMF. Both cars used a larger engine, new in 1937, a 2.5 L 16 hp (RAC Rating) “Big Four”.

The RMC and RMD were limited-production cars, an open 2 or 3-seater Roadster and a 4-seater Drophead.