1954 Riley RME

Description

• SOLD – no longer available
• Very Rare Twin Carb model 
• 55th Last RME off the production line 
• Older restoration so very solid 
• Lovely vinyl roof 
• Four new tyres 
• New battery 

Released in 1952, the Riley RME was an improved RMA.  It still used the 1.5 litre inline-four and featured a fully hydraulic braking system. The body had an enlarged rear window with curved glass. To improve acceleration the rear axle ratio was changed from 4.89:1 to 5.125:1.  

Produced from 1952, the RME was discontinued in 1955 and ultimately its place in the range went in 1957 to the much shorter and unrelated, intended but unused, replacement for the Morris Minor — Riley One-Point-Five also sold as Wolseley 1500, Morris Major and the Austin Lancer. 

An RME tested by The Motor magazine in 1952 had a top speed of 75 mph (121 km/h) and could accelerate from 0–60 mph in 29.5 seconds. A fuel consumption of 24.2 miles per gallon was recorded. 

This particular example was purchased by our vendor a couple of years ago from its previous owner, a retired Naval engineer who is no longer with us I’m afraid. He had owned the vehicle, it is believed, for over twenty years. Unfortunately, he passed away and our vendor purchased the RME from the gentleman’s widow who did not want such a beautiful machine, one that had spent so long in the family, to deteriorate.   

Our vendor has enjoyed the car and made a few minor adjustments and improvements over that time but has unfortunately found age catching up on him which means he is no longer able to drive the car as he did when it was first purchased. 

Supplied with 3 keys for the ignition and doors, unfortunately not the boot lock for some reason, a massive history folder that does include the restoration invoices etc… plus the V5 in our vendor’s name. He was honest enough to share that he has not gone through the massive history folder as “it would take too long, and I haven’t got that long left”. Along with us you will find him a very amiable, honest and amusing chap should you be the lucky winner of this lot and collect it yourself. 

Lastly it will be supplied with four large boxes of spares that include various bits and bobs that again have not been investigated too thoroughly. What he does know is that there are a couple of oil filters (both sizes just in case), some indicators, a period radio and aerial and much more. There are also four spare wheels that will be passed on, and lastly a riley mascot that our vendor sourced and has not yet managed to fit. 

Outside. 

The two-tone blue paintwork was restored around 10 to 12 years ago and although it is starting to show its age, it still looks striking with the contrasting grey leather interior. On close inspection you will see that the driver’s door is slight off colour and there are some nicks here and there, but it wouldn’t take too much to bring it up to a very nice example. 

The closures, boot, bonnet and both doors look sound, the shut lines are consistent although surprisingly there is a little evidence of rubbing in the shuts.  All the rubbers were renewed during the restoration so present well and seal as expected.  An area of note is how solid the bottoms of the doors are; a very common area of weakness on these lovely old things.   

Amazing condition really for a near on 70-year-old Riley. Take a look at the image gallery and make your own mind up. 

The vinyl roof covering is lovely and presents exceptionally well, clearly fitted recently and professionally. The underneath had a great deal of work carried out at the time of restoration, this included that all important woodwork and the notoriously rust prone spare wheel area. Very solid. 

Back to the outside and you will see that the brightwork is shiny and bright, again, not perfect but looking very well cared for with only the slightest of aging that could just do with a good polish to bring it up even better. All the lights are in fine fettle, with modern indicators fitted at both ends and working in conjunction with those wonderful, believe it or not, still working semaphore indicators. 

The body coloured, painted steel wheels are solid but showing a little surface rust, the chrome caps were colour coded recently and make them present wonderfully.  All four corners have new tyres fitted.  

Inside 

Step inside the cabin of the 1954 Riley RME, and you’re instantly transported to an era where luxury meant leather, wood, and attention to detail. The leather seats invite you to sink into their plush embrace, while the burled walnut dashboard, housing the stunning dials and resplendent with its polished veneer, evokes an ambiance of opulence. 

The three-spoke leather bound steering wheel is showing a little aging but rests comfortably in your hands, providing a tactile connection to the road ahead. Every knob and switch feel like a work of art, a testament to the uncompromising craftsmanship of this era. 

Without being restored the seat shape, format, foam and condition look completely original, our vendor shared that the seats were all treated with softener back when it was restored and are still quite good, clearly there is aging to be seen on the leather and the driver’s seat, particularly, is showing some wear and the usual cracks. The door pads on all four doors look remarkably good and match the new, at time of restoration, blue carpet which leads us to think these were renewed. The roof lining is in great condition presenting very well. 

The walnut dash is crack free. The shelf is still remarkably intact after seventy odd years and all the knobs dials and switches work as they should with one exception, the clock. A shame really but with the years creeping up our vendor hasn’t been able to investigate. Either way it is a wonderful place to be. 

Engine and transmission 

Under the hood, the 1954 Riley RME conceals a heart of precision engineering. Supplied with a new battery so that its robust inline-four engine purrs to life with a gentle twist of the key, delivering a refined and responsive performance.  

Showing fifty-three thousand miles on the clock and with no real way to know how original it is, that probably does not matter. It has clearly been well looked after as it runs remarkably quietly. Those that know these cars will be pleasantly surprised as they are just not generally this quiet.   

The 1.5 twin carburettor is believed to be a factory option and it is very rare to find this set up under the bonnet these days. 

Settled next to the brass plaque that names the previous owners and his claim to restoration of this beauty is the chassis plate, our vendor believes the car number and engine numbers punched into it still match but was honest enough to say that he has not physically checked and probably couldn’t now such are his mobility issues. Please take that into account should you bid. 

Move onto the running gear and you will find that the RME glides down the road with a grace that can only be matched by a classic ballroom dance, its suspension tuned to perfection, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. As was shared earlier, this was our previous owner’s forte, being a Naval engineer the simple set up of the Riley was child’s play to him. 

Our view 

Running sweetly and presenting very well you will not be disappointed when you win this auction and learn that owning a 1954 Riley RME isn’t just owning a car; it’s becoming a custodian of history, a curator of automotive elegance, and a connoisseur of timeless style. This classic beauty whispers stories of a more refined past, inviting you to savour the elegance, craftsmanship, and allure of an era that continues to captivate the hearts of enthusiasts around the world. 

An extremely honest and well looked after example of the truly wonderful timeless old Riley RME – and a rare twin carb model to boot.  Buy and bring up to concours or just get in it and enjoy.