|
By the time the RM series appeared in 1945, the great days
of Riley had passed. Founded in 1898, the Company made its reputation in
the 1920s and 1930s with a series of well-built saloons and thoroughbred
small sports cars. It forged a fine racing record too, but, by the late
1930s, finances were looking shaky and the Nuffield organization took the
helm in 1938.
Even so, the immediate [lost-war cars managed to retain their
individuality: RMA and RMB models had a classic high-cam four-cylinder
engine, torsion-liar independent front suspension and elegant
fabric-topped, timber-framed, steel bodywork bodies. The 1 ˝ liter RMB
could manage 75inph (120 kph) the 90 bhp - later 100 bhp – 2 ˝ liter RMB a
highly respectable 95 mph (152 kph) with long-geared cruising at about 85
mph (136 kph).
With the longest stroke of any post- war British production car, the RMBs
were extremely torqucy, too. They handled well, though heavy steering at
low speeds was a constant source of criticism, For enthusiasts, the
ultimate RM variant will always be the RMC, an open, three-seater roadster
with sweeping, rakish lines. This was built to capture American sales
(hence the column gear change). A fold-flat screen and lowered bonnet line
were other recognition points. 507 were built, plus a further 502 four-seater
drop head RMDs which had more conventional lines.
Last of the RM line were the 1952 RME (1496cc) and RMF (2443cc) with full
hydraulic brakes, a hypoid back axle and bigger rear windows. For the
run-out 1954 model year the styling of the RME underwent subtle changes:
no running boards, streamlined headlight pods and rear wheel spats.
By that time the flagship RMF had been replaced by the unfortunate Gerald
Palmer-designed Pathfinder, which had nothing but the traditional
four-cylinder Riley engine to recommend it.
After the death of the RME in 1955, there were no more thoroughbreds
Riley’s; instead the famous jewel badge was progressively debased on a
succession of badge-engineered BMC saloons until the end of the 60s.
|
ENGINE TYPE
|
In-line 4 |
|
CAPACITY |
1496/ 2443 cc |
|
POWER |
54-100 bhp |
|
TRANSMISSION |
4-speed manual |
|
TOP SPEED
|
75-100 mph (120-160km/h) |
|
NUMBER BUILT
|
RMA 10,504/ RMB 6,900/
RMC 507/ RMD 502/
RME 3,446/ RMF 1,050 |
|
|
|
|
