Buying Guide: Why a Riley RM is a great investment if you buy well

The RM’s elegant styling and first-class driving manners make for a very appealing British classic, and prices are tempting, too…

‘90bhp meant that the RM was good for almost 100mph’

It’s been 50 years since the Riley name disappeared from production, but as disappointing as that was, there were better times in the immediate post-war period. Riley launched the RM in 1945 with just over 28,000 built until production ended in 1957, and there was a varied selection of models.

Saloons were covered by the RMA and RMB, the former powered by a 1.5-litre engine and the latter by a 2.5-litre unit. They were re-named the RME and RMF from June and August 1952 respectively.

Then there was the RMC roadster and RMD drophead; the rather more conventional RMH Pathfinder saloon replaced the RMF in 1953. All were built in Coventry until 1949 when production switched to Abingdon.

The RM was essentially the last model that Riley developed before it was absorbed into the sprawling BMC empire. This was ultimately the company’s undoing, but the model here represents a much happier time in its history, one that provided buyers with pleasingly elegant motoring. With stylish coachwork and flowing front wings, an RM appeared expensive but understated while the traditional wood and leather-clad cabin was truly luxurious. They gave a good account of themselves on the road too, the use of rack-and-pinion steering and double-wishbone front suspension ensuring accurate and secure handling. It allowed post-war drivers to make the most of the mildly sporting performance, especially with the larger engine under the bonnet; 90bhp meant that the RM was good for almost 100mph. Incidentally, the grille badge colour denoted which engine was fitted; dark blue for the smaller enigine and light blue for the bigger one.

The latter’s additional performance certainly adds desirability, and factoring in tempting values (for the saloons, anyway) there’s much to like. WORDS Chris Randall PHOTOGRAPHY Magic Car Pics

Both engines are reliable but do make sure the cooling system has seen annual attention, otherwise head gaskets are liable to failure.

Retrimming the opulent interior can cost in excess of £3000.