Highlights
- Possibly the most original Riley RME in existence
- Just over 45,000 miles in 69 years
- Partial repaint in 2015
- Comprehensive and detailed history folder
The Appeal
This is a delightfully original and well preserved RME. The history file is reassuringly fat, with lots of information, old MoTs and notes that corroborate the low mileage. There have only been 5 private owners since 1954 and each has obviously cared for the Riley. One owner had it for 20 years, another for 31 years and the most recent for 7 years, so we know it has always been “a keeper”. Each owner recognised the originality and they have spent money and effort to preserve it, and it remains in good condition almost exactly as it rolled out of the Riley factory in 1954.
History and Paperwork
- Built in Riley’s Abingdon factory 1953/4
- Originally black exterior with red leather interior
- First registered on 23rd January 1954
- First owner kept the Riley until 1974
- Just 5 private owners, plus one Dealer
- Fourth owner from 1976 to 2007 -31 years
- V5c in last private owner’s name
- Full handwritten list of all previous owners with mileages and dates
- Original Buff Logbook
- Originally registered as STB69
- Registration changed circa 2014 to 601UYK
- Large collection of old MoT certificates back to 1978
- Genuine 45,319 miles covered
- MoT in 1978 at 32,786 miles
- MoT in 2011 at 44,375 miles
- Various handwritten maintenance notes from 1978 to early 1980s
- Repainted with silver lower half in 2015 costing £2,733
- Engine service, full brake rebuild inc all pipework, rewired lights front and rear, seatbelts fitted December 2015 £4,259 at approximately 45,050 miles, just 320 miles covered since
- New leaf springs and brake master cylinder April 2016 £523
- Copy of Riley RM Club registration from 2003
- Stainless steel exhaust and oil filter conversion
- Workshop and Maintenance manuals
- A selection of spare parts
The Interior
- Original dark Red interior as built
- Superb Art Deco instruments and gauges
- Excellent wood dash and door cappings
- Red leather seats with age creasing but no damage
- Clean and lightly worn red carpet
- Clean and tidy beige roof lining
- Original 3 spoke banjo steering wheel
- Door cards in immaculate condition
- Seatbelts fitted front and rear
- Clean and tidy boot with spare wheel and all tools
- Overall a beautifully well preserved and delightful original interior
The Exterior
- Lower half repainted in silver with red coachline in 2015, black paint thought to be original
- Original fabric roof, thought to be the only RME with its original fabric
- Understandably the vinyl roof shows some age and wear
- Excellent original chrome parts including grille and bumpers
- Paint bubbles below doors on sill areas on both sides –see photos
- Original black steel wheels with some paint chips fitted with chrome hubcaps
- Lightly worn set of matching Avon tyres, lightly worn
- Removable rear wheel spats fitted in 1982
- Fitted with indicator lights front and rear (semaphores still present)
- Correct badging and all exterior trim in good condition
- Riley RM Register badge on front bar
The Mechanics
- 1 ½ litre engine running beautifully
- Invoice for full servicing from 2015 when last owner purchased the Riley, driven approximately 320 miles since
- Four speed gearbox
- Clean and corrosion free underside with no obvious corrosion
- Stainless steel exhaust
- Oil filter conversion
- Presentable and tidy engine bay
- Lots of history and paperwork showing care and maintenance by all owners
- Drives nicely and rides well with no rattles and smooth and adequate power
Summary
A well known car in Riley circles this RME may well be the most original example left. When built it was black with a red interior, and the only changes has been a lower half repaint in silver. The fabric roof is the original factory installed item, and it is thought to be the only original fabric roof still on an RME. The interior has aged delightfully with nothing added or missing, and is in excellent condition. If originality is your thing then this car has it in spades.
As we all know, it’s only original once!
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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