Riley RM

Infobox Automobile
name = Riley RM Series


manufacturer = Riley
production = 1945–1955
predecessor = Riley 12hp, 16hp
class =
width = convert|63|in|mm|0|abbr=on
wheelbase = 1.5 L cars - convert|112|in|mm|0|abbr=on
2.5 L cars - convert|119|in|mm|0|abbr=on
length = 1.5 L cars - convert|179|in|mm|0|abbr=on
2.5 L cars - convert|186|in|mm|0|abbr=on
height = convert|59|in|mm|0|abbr=on
weight =

The Riley RM Series was the last automobile series developed independently by Riley. RM vehicles were produced from 1945, after World War II, through the 1952 merger of the Riley's Nuffield Organisation with Austin to form BMC. They were originally made in Coventry but in 1949 production moved to the MG works at Abingdon.

There were three types of RM vehicles produced: The RMA was a large saloon, and was replaced by the RME. The RMB was an even larger car, and was replaced by the RMF. The RMC and RMD were limited-production roadsters.

All of the RM vehicles featured the pre-war Riley designed 1.5 L (1496 cc) 12 hp (RAC Rating) or 16 hp (RAC Rating) 2.5 L "Big Four" straight-4 engines with twin camshafts mounted high at the sides of the cylinder block and hemispherical combustion chambers.

Riley RMA

Infobox Automobile generation
name = Riley RMA


production = 1945–1952
10,504 produced.
successor = Riley RME
body_style = 4-door saloon
engine = 1.5 L Straight-4The RMA was the first post-war Riley. It used the 1.5 L engine and was equipped with hydro-mechanical brakes and an independent suspension using torsion bars in front. The frame was made of wood in the English tradition, and the car featured traditional styling. The car was capable of reaching convert|75|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on. The RMA was produced from 1945 until 1952 when it was replaced by the RME.

Riley RMB

Infobox Automobile generation
name = Riley RMB


production = 1946–1952
6900 produced
successor = Riley RMF
body_style = 4-door saloon
engine = 2.5 L Straight-4
width = Auto in|63.5|0
length = Auto in|186|0
weight =
height = Auto in|59|0
wheelbase = Auto in|119|0The RMB was an enlarged RMA and was 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 convert|95|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on top speed. The RMB was replaced by the RMF for 1952.

A car tested by The Motor magazine in 1949 had a top speed of convert|90|mph|km/h|abbr=on and could accelerate from 0-convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on in 16.8 seconds. A fuel consumption of convert|19.6|mpgimp|L/100 km mpgus was recorded. The test car cost £1224 including taxes. cite journal | authorlink = Unsigned |title = The Riley 2.5 litre Road Test| journal =The Motor| volume = | pages = | date = 1949]

Riley RMC

Infobox Automobile generation
name = Riley RMC


production = 1948–1951
507 produced
related =
body_style = 2-door 3 seat convertible
engine = 2.5 L Straight-4The RMC was a 3-passenger 2-door convertible version of the RMB with a large rear deck area and fold flat windscreen. It shared that car's 2.5 L 100 hp (75 kW) engine and could reach 100 mph (161 km/h). The car was primarily designed for the North American export market, and just over 500 were built from 1948 until 1951. The gear change lever was moved to the steering column on left hand drive models.

Riley RMD

Infobox Automobile generation
name = Riley RMD


production = 1949–1951
502 produced
related =
body_style = 2-door convertible
engine = 2.5 L Straight-4The RMD was a traditional 2-door drophead coupé, the last convertible to wear the Riley name. It used the same 2.5 L 100 hp (75 kW) engine as the RMB, on which it was based. Just over 500 were produced between 1949 and 1951.

Riley RME

Infobox Automobile generation
name = Riley RME


production = 1952–1955
3446 produced
predecessor = Riley RMA
successor = Riley One-Point-Five
body_style = 4-door saloon
engine = 1.5 L Straight-4The RME was an updated RMA. It still used the 1.5 L four and featured a fully-hydraulic braking system. The body had an enlarged rear window with curved glass and from 1954 no running boards. To improve acceleration the rear axle ratio was changed rfom 4.89:1 to 5.125:1.

Produced from 1952, it was replaced by the Riley One-Point-Five in 1955.

An RME tested by The Motor magazine in 1952 had a top speed of convert|75|mph|km/h|abbr=on and could accelerate from 0-convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on in 29.5 seconds. A fuel consumption of convert|24.2|mpgimp|L/100 km mpgus was recorded. The test car cost £1339 including taxes.cite journal | authorlink = Unsigned |title = The Riley 1.5 Litre Road Test| journal =The Motor| volume = | pages = | date = December 10 1952]

Riley RMF

Infobox Automobile generation
name = Riley RMF


production = 1952–1953
1050 produced
predecessor = Riley RMB
successor = Riley Pathfinder
body_style = 4-door saloon
engine = 2.5 L Straight-4The RMF replaced the big RMB limousine in 1952. It shared that car's 2.5 L "Big Four" engine as well as the mechanical updates from the RME. The RMH Riley Pathfinder , last of the Riley "Big Fours", and thus the last real Riley, took its place after 1953 and continued in production until 1957.

Riley RM car models

References

*A-Z of Cars 1945-1970. Michael Sedgwick and Mark Gillies. Bayview Books. 1989. ISBN 1-870979-39-7