Description
This stunning, show standard Riley RMC 2. 5 was first registered on the first of January 1951 and presents beautifully in its Ivory White paintwork, bright Red leather upholstery, and Black mohair hood. Little over 500 of these Roadster’s were ever built, they are a highly desirable, sought after motor car and our RHD, 2-seater example is equipped with its original engine.
NXS 290 was manufactured in the UK but has spent most of its life overseas. In 2017, when it came back to the UK from Houston Texas, the Riley was taken back to a rolling chassis with photographic records and fully rebuilt over the course of 3 years before it was presented for registration. Part way through the rebuild, the RMC found itself on the RM clubs stand in 2018 in Trafford Park. The engine was partially stripped to check over, and it was found that the sump, the cylinder head, the bores, and the shell bearings were in excellent condition. The vehicle was then repainted and holds an excellent, deep finish today.
Recently, there has been a major program of mechanical maintenance carried out on this beautiful open top classic by a Riley Specialist to the sum of £15, 000. Blue Diamond Riley Services Ltd carried out the most recent works on this Riley ensuring the mechanicals paid homage to how stunning the car looks. The Riley specialists began by carrying out an inspection of the car and generating a comprehensive list of works to carry out. The works included a removing the gearbox, the flywheel was re-faced, and a new clutch kit was fitted. The ignition system was thoroughly checked where new points and a condenser was fitted. The carburettors were checked over, jet heights were set, and the fuel delivery system was fully balanced and set up along with the timing. The braking system was overhauled with the brake master cylinder being reconditioned and all the brakes being stripped cleaned and adjusted with new parts where necessary. Riley carried forward the one and a half litre and two and a half litre engines into their postwar catalogue of RM series motor cars.
NXS 290 bears the larger of the two options which are oftentimes the more desirable power plant for these superb luxury British classic cars. The RM series production ran from 1945 through to 1957 with this specific model being the RMC that was introduced in 1948 and was known as ‘the roadster' with the main intention to be a greater appeal to the American market. On arrival, we took this wonderful Riley RM on road test and it did not disappoint. The engine is super fit and holds great oil pressure, the brakes are superb, but most importantly the car fills you with an overwhelming sense of luxury and grandeur. This RMC is a car that bears all the qualities of a high quality, luxury open top British car from the 50s, it looks tremendous, it drives magnificently, and most importantly it feels like a quality, superbly restored motor car suited to extensive open top touring and shows, events and rallies.
