Riley RM#Riley RME
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{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2015}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Riley RM Series
| image = Riley RMA BW 1.jpg
| caption = 1951 Riley RMA
| manufacturer = Riley Motors
| production = 1945–1955
| assembly = United Kingdom: Coventry, England (until 1949)
United Kingdom: Abingdon, England (1949–1955)
| predecessor = {{unbulleted list|Riley Kestrel body|and|12/4 1½-litre engine|or|16/4 2½-litre Big Four engine}}
| successor = Riley Pathfinder
| class = Executive car (E); compact executive car (D)
| body_style = {{unbulleted list|4-door saloon|2-door open 2 or 3-seater|2-door 4-seater cabriolet}}
| layout = FR layout
| width = {{cvt|63|in|mm|0}}
| wheelbase = 1.5 L cars – {{cvt|112|in|mm|0}}
2.5 L cars – {{cvt|119|in|mm|0}}
| length = 1.5 L cars – {{cvt|179|in|mm|0}}
2.5 L cars – {{cvt|186|in|mm|0}}
| height = {{cvt|59|in|mm|0}}
| weight =
}}
The Riley RM is a series of executive cars and compact executive cars that were made by Riley Motors from 1945 until 1955. They were the last models developed independently by Riley before its parent company, Nuffield, merged with Austin to form BMC. The RM series was produced in Coventry until 1949, when production moved to the MG works at Abingdon. Until 1952, models were marketed as the Riley 1½ Litre and the Riley 2½ Litre. the term RM has been used retrospectively to encompass models produced before 1952.
There were four 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 (1,496 cc) 12 hp (RAC Rating), developed before WWII.
The RMB was a longer car, and 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.
The Riley Pathfinder was the RMH, and was the last saloon to be built with the Riley Big Four engine.
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Kestrel
File:Riley 16HP Kestrel (1938) (18751537161).jpg
The RM was inspired by Riley Motors' successful and stylish pre-war 1.5 and 2.5 Litre Kestrel saloons, but with a new chassis, which with its Riley "torsionic" independent front-wheel suspension incorporated the experience of the wartime years.
The RM series was a new design, because air raids on Coventry destroyed the patterns of dies for the pre-war models.
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Riley RMA
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Riley RMA
| image = File:1952 Riley RMA (cropped).jpg
| caption = 1952 RMA
| production = 1945–1952
10,504 produced.
| predecessor = Riley 12/4 and Riley 12
| successor = Riley RME
| body_style = 4-door saloon
| engine = 1.5 L Straight-4 as for 2.5-litre Big Four but bore 69mm by stroke 100mm and bhp 60 @5,300 rpm
}}
The RMA was the first post-war Riley. It was announced in August 1945 with the news it would become available in the autumn. It used the 1.5 L engine and was equipped with hydro-mechanical brakes and an independent suspension using torsion bars in front. The body frame (not to be confused with the chassis) was made of wood in the English tradition, and the car featured traditional styling. The car was capable of reaching {{cvt|75|mi/h|km/h}}. The RMA was produced from 1945 until 1952 when it was replaced by the RME.
{{commons category|Riley 1½ RMA saloon}}
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Riley RMB
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Riley RMB
| image = Riley 2,5-Litre Saloon 1950.jpg
| production = 1946–1952
6,900 produced
| successor = Riley RMF
| body_style = 4-door saloon
| engine = 2.5 L Straight-4
|weight =
|wheelbase = {{cvt|119|in|mm|0}}
}}
The 2.5 L (2443 cc) RMB was a lengthened RMA launched a year later in 1946.
It used the 2.5 L (2443 cc) "Big Four" engine with twin SU carburettors, starting with 90 hp (67 kW) but increasing to 100 hp (75 kW) for 1948 with a {{cvt|95|mi/h|km/h}} top speed.
The wheelbase was {{cvt|6.5|in|mm|0}} longer and the overall length was a full {{cvt|7|in|mm|0}} longer. The RMB was replaced by the RMF for 1952.
The RMB 2½ Litre models have light blue bonnet and bootlid badges, differentiating them from the RMA 1½ Litre models which have dark blue badges.
A car tested by The Motor magazine in 1949 had a top speed of {{cvt|90|mph}} and could accelerate from 0–{{cvt|60|mph|km/h}} in 16.8 seconds. A fuel consumption of {{cvt|19.6|mpgimp|L/100 km mpgus}} was recorded. The test car cost £1224 including taxes.
{{commons category|Riley 2½ RMB saloon}}
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Riley RMC
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Riley RMC
| image = Riley Roadster 2500ccm100PS 1949 1.JPG
| caption = 1949 RMC
| production = 1948–1951
507 produced
| related =
| body_style = 2-door open 2/3-seater
| engine = 2.5 L Straight-4
}}
The RMC (Roadster) was an open 2-door, single bench seat, 2/3-seater version of the RMB, with a large rear deck area and fold-flat windscreen. Announced in March 1948, it was delivered to Geneva just too late to be exhibited at the Geneva Motor Show. Primarily designed for the North American export market, it was normally built with left-hand drive, with the gear change lever on the steering column. The bonnet and radiator were lowered and the bonnet catches were arranged to be operated internally. Extra over-riders were fitted to the bumpers and the fuel tank was enlarged to {{cvt|20|impgal}}.
Eighteen months later, in September 1949, Riley announced future production would include a small quota of cars with right-hand drive. Riley attributed that to a slight increase in the supply of steel.
Instead of side windows it was supplied with flexible celluloid-glazed side curtains with a hole for hand signals and, when deployed, flimsy synthetic roofing over a light metal frame. It shared that car's 2.5 L {{cvt|100|hp}} engine, and could reach {{cvt|100|mph|-1}}.{{citation needed|date=July 2018}}
Just over 500 were built from 1948 until 1951.{{citation needed|date=July 2018}}
File:1948 Riley RMC (4650216016).jpg
Both the back and front of the car bear a remarkable likeness to a 1934 Ford V8.
{{commons category|Riley 2½ RMC 3-seater roadster}}
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Riley RMD
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Riley RMD
| image = File:1950 Riley RMD drop head coupé.jpg
| caption = 1950 RMD
| production = 1949–1951
502 produced
| related =
| body_style = 2-door cabriolet
| engine = 2.5 L Straight-4
}}
The RMD (drophead) is a traditional 2-door cabriolet, and was the last Riley cabriolet. It uses the same 2.5 L {{cvt|100|hp|kW}} engine as the RMB, on which it was based. Just over 500 were produced between 1949 and 1951.{{citation needed|date=July 2018}}
This model was first displayed in October 1948 at London's Earls Court Motor Show.
| File:1950 Riley 2.5L RMD AL-58-52 p5.jpg
A cabriolet has fixed sides to its roof, called cant rails, and a folding top that remains attached to the vehicle. In a cabriolet like this Riley RMD the tops of the fixed sides, the cant rails, the beams over the side-windows, may be folded along with the top. While the hood is being opened or closed the heavy cant rail beams are supported by exterior hood irons. The hood irons, an elongated S-shape when the roof is up, may be seen at each of the roof's rear quarters. A more English name for a folding cover or canopy of a (horse drawn) vehicle enabling the occupants to be seen clearly is a "head" or for motor vehicles in the mid-20th century drop head. |
{{commons category|Riley 2½ RMD 5-seater drophead coupé}}
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Riley RME
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Riley RME
| image = 1953 Riley RME RF.jpg
| caption = 1953 RME
| production = 1952–1955
3446 produced
| predecessor = Riley RMA
| successor = Riley One-Point-Five (1957)
| body_style = 4-door saloon
| engine = 1.5 L Straight-4
}}
Launched in 1952, the RME was an improved RMA. It uses the same 1.5 L four-cylinder engine, and has a fully hydraulic braking system. The body has a larger rear window, with curved glass. To improve acceleration, the rear axle ratio was changed from 4.89:1 to 5.125:1.
When the 2.5 L (2443 cc) RMF ended production in October 1953, many details of the RME were revised. These included dispensing with running boards, and introducing entirely re-shaped front mudguards.
The RME was discontinued in 1955. It was succeeded in 1957 by the Riley One-Point-Five, which had been designed as a replacement for the Morris Minor, but never launched as such. This is a BMC design, unrelated to the RM series. It is much shorter than the RME, and was also badge-engineered as the Wolseley 1500, and in Australia as the Morris Major and Austin Lancer.
An RME tested by The Motor magazine in 1952 had a top speed of {{cvt|75|mph|km/h}} and could accelerate from 0 to {{cvt|60|mph|km/h}} in 29.5 seconds. A fuel consumption of {{cvt|24.2|mpgimp|L/100 km mpgus}} was recorded. The test car cost £1,339 including taxes.
File:1954 Riley RME 1.5 Litre saloon at Capel Manor, Enfield, London, England.jpg
{{commons category|Riley 1½ RME saloon}}
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Riley RMF
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Riley RMF
| image = HCVS Haverhill rally BFL637 140713 CPS (11611119984).jpg
| caption = 1953 RMF
| production = 1952–1953
1050 produced
| predecessor = Riley RMB
| successor = Riley Pathfinder
| body_style = 4-door saloon
| engine = 2.5 L Straight-4
}}
The RMF replaced the RMB in 1952. It has the same 2.5 L Big Four engine, plus mechanical updates shared with the RME. RMF 2½ Litre models have light blue bonnet and boot-lid badges, whereas the RME 1½ Litre models have dark blue badges. In 1953 the RMH Riley Pathfinder replaced the RMF. This is the last car built with the Riley Big Four engine, and is thus considered to be the last "real" Riley by purists. It continued in production until 1957.
{{commons category|Riley 2½ RMF saloon}}
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Riley 2½-litre Big Four engine
The Big Four engine is a four cylinder 2.5 litre engine rated at 16.07 h.p. under the British RAC formula. It was designed in a matter of months, under difficult financial conditions, and announced in the summer of 1937. It followed existing Riley practice, similar to their 1.5 litre engine, but with each cylinder completely surrounded by a water jacket. The fully counter-weighted and balanced crankshaft ran in three main bearings. Pre-war power output was at first {{cvt|80|bhp|kW}}, then raised to {{cvt|85|bhp|kW}}. In its final Riley Pathfinder form, it developed {{cvt|110|bhp|kW}}, and was produced until the end of Riley Pathfinder production in February 1957.
{{Infobox automobile engine
| name = Riley 2½-litre Big Four engine
| image =
| manufacturer = Riley Motors
| aka = Riley 16 h.p., Riley 16/4
| predecessor = none before 1937
| successor = Riley RMH then BMC C-Series engine
| configuration = straight four
| displacement = {{cvt|2.443|L|cuin}}
| block = cast iron, aluminium sump, alloy pistons
| head = cast iron, hemispherical combustion chambers, spark plugs in centre between valve covers
| valvetrain = 90-degree angled overhead valves operated by twin high-lift camshafts moving rockers with short light stiff push-rods powered from the crankshaft by duplex roller chains
| supercharger =
| turbocharger =
| fuelsystem = Twin H4 SU carburettors mechanical petrol pump
| management =
| fueltype = petrol
| oilsystem = pressure fed from sump by submerged gear-type pump driven by skew gear from camshaft
| coolingsystem = water, thermostatically controlled flow, belt-driven water pump and radiator fan
| power = 106 bhp @ 4,500 rpm
Tax rating 16hp
| specpower =
| torque =
| length =
| width =
| height =
| diameter =
| weight =
}}
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Bibliography
- {{cite book |last=Ramsey |first=John |year=1984 |title=The Swapmeet and Toyfair Catalogue of British Diecast Model Toys |publisher=Swapmeet Toys and Models Ltd |page=29 |isbn=978-0950931906}}
- {{cite book |last1=Sedgwick |first1=Michael |last2=Gillies |first2=Mark |year=1989 |title=A-Z of Cars 1945–1970 |publisher=Motorbooks International |isbn=1-870979-39-7}}
- {{cite book |last=Taylor |first=James |year=1989 |title=Riley RM-Series |publisher=Motor Racing Publications |isbn=978-0947981365}}
- {{cite book |last=Williams |first=John Price |year=2005 |title=Riley: The Legendary RMs |publisher=Crowood Press |isbn=978-1861267610}}
References
{{reflist|refs=
{{cite news |author= |date=28 November 1945 |title=The New Riley |url= |work=The Manchester Guardian (1901-1959) |page=6 |location=Manchester |access-date=}}
{{cite news |author= |date= |title=200,000 Cars in 12 months: Motor Trade's Plans Fifty percent for export |url= |work=The Manchester Guardian (1901-1959) |page=5 |location=Manchester |access-date=}}
{{cite news |author= |date=24 November 1936 |title=Cars of To-Day |url= |work=The Times |page=12 |issue=47540 |location= |access-date=}}
{{cite news |author= |date=24 August 1945 |title=City Notes |url= |work=The Times |page=7 |issue=50229 |location= |access-date=}}
{{cite magazine |author= |title=The Riley 2.5-litre Road Test |url= |magazine=The Motor |location= |publisher= |date=1949 |access-date=}}
{{cite news |author= |date=31 March 1948 |title=News in Brief |url= |work=The Times |page=2 |issue=51033 |location= |access-date=}}
{{cite news |author= |date=9 September 1949 |title=Nuffield Cars For Motor Show |url= |work=The Times |page=2 |issue=51482 |location= |access-date=}}
{{cite news |author= |date=26 October 1948 |title=New Nuffield Cars |url= |work=The Times |page=2 |issue=51212 |location= |access-date=}}
OED Online. Oxford University Press, December 2015. Web. 13 January 2016.
- HEAD
A (folding) cover or canopy for a carriage or (in later use) motor vehicle, usually one which forms a permanent part of the vehicle rather than being detachable. Cf. drop-head
- CABRIOLET
A motor car with fixed sides and a folding top.
{{cite magazine |author= |title=The Riley 1.5 Litre Road Test |url= |magazine=The Motor |location= |publisher= |date=10 December 1952 |access-date=}}
{{cite news |author= |date=16 March 1937 |title=Cars of To-Day |url= |work=The Times |page=22 |issue=47634 |location= |access-date=}}
}}
{{Automobiles made by BMC, BL and Rover Group companies, post-1945}}
Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles