1952 Riley RME Saloon

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.

The RME as offered today features a 1.5 litre twin cam four cylinder engine and is equipped with hydro-mechanical brakes and independent front suspension with torsion bars. The coachwork is timber framed, clad in steel in traditional style, with a fabric roof and the accommodation is nicely appointed with leather seats and a polished wooden fascia.

MLJ 448 has been with the current owner for some thirty years. As a professional restorer of vintage and classic cars, he has always maintained her in top condition, yet the car is essentially original and has never had a ‘body off’ restoration. The silver green metallic paintwork, applied some twenty -nine years ago, remains excellent, as does the brightwork. The interior is lovely; the red leather front seats were recovered about ten years ago, but the rear is original. Carpets were replaced at some stage and the headlining was renewed when the fabric roof was replaced at the same time as the seats. The original polished wood dash contains the correct instruments. We are told the electric clock does not work and the fuel gauge is not totally accurate. An after-market heater and period radio are nice additions.

Mechanically, the engine was overhauled and converted to take unleaded fuel about 10,000 miles ago. The factory offered a single big- bore carburettor as an optional extra and one was fitted to improve pulling power. The original 1.25 SU is offered with the car together with matching air cleaner. The gearbox has also been overhauled and we are told that all other mechanical equipment is very good. The car will be driven some seventy miles to the auction sale.

The history file contains the V5C registration certificate, the V5 document, the RF60 and VE60 registration books, together with the driver’s handbook, a workshop manual and parts book, old MOT test certificates, invoices and DVLA records of past keepers.

Opportunity seldom strikes twice and this is surely a superb Riley not to be missed.