RILEY RMA 1.5-LITRE

BIT OF A FILM STAR

The Riley RMA 1.5-litre was manufactured by the independent Riley Motor Company in England in 1947, prior to the merger with the Nuffield Group in 1952.

The Riley RMA was produced for seven years, from 1945 through until 1952, and was the last Riley developed independently. By 1952, the Riley brand had become a part of Lord Nuffield’s empire. The cars were available with a 1.5-litre engine, with a 2.5-litre option added a year later. The latter model was slightly longer to accommodate the larger engine.

This particular Riley was first registered by a New Zealander in London in 1947 using the New Zealand High Commission address. It was imported into New Zealand in 1961.

The cars have hydro-mechanical brakes and independent torsion-bar suspension on the front. The 1.5-litre car had a top speed of over 120kph. These cars always had a slightly more sporting attitude than their market-place peers, and they were often the preferred method of conveyance for medical and legal professionals.

This car was fully renovated in the 1980s from the chassis up and retains all the original features of the classic RMA 1.5, including the four-speed gearbox with synchromesh on second, third, and fourth gears.

Having had a feature role in the

New Zealand mini series about

Sir Edmund Hillary, as the car owned by his future parents-in-law, this classic’s present owner has enjoyed it for the past 18 years and has participated in national and local Riley club rallies across New Zealand.

For a part of New Zealand history, call Pete Bailey on 021 179 5467.