RileyRM

01

Origins

The RM series, launched in 1945, was Riley's post-war masterpiece and, as it turned out, the marque's last original design. The RMA carried the 1.5-litre version of the famous high-camshaft engine, the faster RMB the 2.5; both used torsion-bar independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering, a specification more advanced than most of Britain's luxury establishment. The styling — long bonnet, flowing wings, fabric-topped roof on many cars — made the RM one of the loveliest saloons of its era, and the RMC roadster courted America with limited success. Around 22,000 of all types were built to 1955 at Coventry and then Abingdon. Afterwards, Rileys were badge-engineered BMC products; the RM is where enthusiasts draw the line and say: this far, the real thing.