Lot Ended
Description
Only 12,000 miles on rebuilt engine; electronic ignition; stainless
steel exhaust; interesting history; driven 25 miles to the sale; a
much-loved Riley that runs like a sewing machine
Introduced in
1952 to replace the RMA, the RME was powered by Riley's highly regarded 1.5
four-cylinder engine with an overhead-valve, twin-camshaft design and
hemispherical combustion chambers, producing around 54 bhp and giving it a top
speed of 75mph.
Key improvements over its
predecessor included a larger, curved rear window and an upgrade from
hydro-mechanical to fully hydraulic drum brakes for better stopping power. The
RME also featured rack-and-pinion steering and independent front suspension with
torsion bars, which contributed to its reputation for good handling.
By 1954 it had lost its running boards and
gained rear wheel spats, the model continuing in production until the arrival of
the new Riley One-Point-Five in 1955, by which tine just under 3,500 had been
sold.
Dating from September 1954, this Riley RME
was originally registered in Kirkudbright, Scotland, with the number SW 9823.
Notes on file state that it was first owned by a gentleman in Dumfries who
bequeathed it to his chauffeur, a Mr Blair, when he died. He in turn passed it
on to his daughter, Elizabeth Blair, who ran the Creggans Hotel on the shores of
Loch Fyne, a copy of a black and white photo showing her with the
car.
When she died in 1999, she bequeathed the
Riley to an old friend, David Robb, who had looked after it informally for many
years. Affectionately known as ‘Belinda’, the Riley has been in regular use ever
since, 11 old MOTs indicating that it has covered some 16,000 miles since 2003.
Notes on file detail maintenance carried out over the years including a full
engine rebuild in 2010 since when the car has covered some 12,000 miles. The
vinyl roof was recovered at the same time, a new stainless steel exhaust was
fitted, the front bumpers were rechromed and the underside waxoil treated plus
numerous other jobs. The braking system was also overhauled in
2017.
It seems that the speedo was changed in
2015 when it was showing 75,140 miles, the replacement speedo reading 11,266
miles when fitted and 12,256 today so the car has covered 1,000 miles in the
last five years, a show plaque indicating that it attended the Scottish Riley
Enthusiasts National Weekend in 2019.
Our vendor
acquired the car via Brightwells in 2020 and has continued to look after it
well. Recent work of note includes: Accuspark electronic ignition; recored
radiator; new rocker cover gaskets; new door and boot rubbers; new brake hoses;
new set of carpets; leather upholstery reconditioned plus numerous other minor
items.
Documentation includes an original owner’s
handbook, lubrication chart and factory workshop manual; a book on Riley Cars
1896 – 1969; invoices; RM Club literature and older V5C and V5 registration
documents.
Starting promptly and running like a
sewing machine as we moved her around for these photos, with healthy 45psi oil
pressure, Belinda appears to be in very sound and usable condition all round
with a nicely mellowed interior. All that lets the side down slightly is the
finish of the paintwork which is more satin than gloss.
Driven some 25 miles to the sale, Belinda has clearly been
much-loved over her 70+ years to date and now seeks a caring new owner who can
continue to preserve her for future generations to enjoy.
Consigned by James Dennison – 07970 309907 – james.dennison@brightwells.com