1951 Riley RMB 2.5 Litre Sports

The RM series from Riley was launched in 1945 and must have greatly cheered a nation who had suffered much through conflict and the attendant shortages.  The beauty and style of the RM’s coachwork has arguably been unequalled throughout the post-war period. Initially launched as the RMA and built in Coventry, production moved to Abingdon in 1949 and subsequent models appeared as RMB, RMC, RMD, RME and RMF. Arriving just a year later than the ‘A’, the RMB was equipped with a gutsy 2.5 litre, ‘big four’ engine that was increased to 100hp in 1948. The top speed was 95mph, which was very respectable for a sizable saloon. Its successor was the 1952 RMF.

This handsome Riley began life as a sports saloon. According to Riley RM Club records, Harry Wilton built the motor car to its present form in 1979 and it has subsequently been known to the Club as the ‘Harrian Special’. The chassis was shortened by seventeen inches, resulting in a purposeful looking two seat roadster. Other features include a folding hood, a fold-flat windscreen, detatchable side screens, two cutaway doors, wide rimmed road wheels with cooling holes, a Kenlowe fan and an oil cooler. At present, a wood rimmed steering wheel is fitted to the motor car, but the original is supplied. Interestingly, this Riley was featured in the Autocar magazine in 1981, and later in the Riley RM Club magazine.

This extremely worthwhile project now requires light restoration and recommissioning. It has been barn dry stored since 1993 on the Isle of Wight; the vendor’s grandfather was Mr Harry Ferguson of Ferguson Tractor fame and the motor car has been enjoyed by his descendants. The V5 registration document is supplied, together with some photographs and sundry items.