Jim's Riley
27 August 2009

To Alistair's dismay, Jim has become the owner of a 1948 Riley RMA. We speak to David Holden of the Riley RM Club about this classic vehicle.

A typical Riley RMA

The first of a series of cars produced between 1945 and 1957, the RMA was designed in the final years of World War II and went on sale in 1945. While most manufacturers were still rolling out their pre-war models, the RMA used a lot of new technology, particularly in steering and suspension. And despite the shortage of raw materials, Riley managed to achieve a high build quality.

There were glowing reports in the motoring press, describing the car as a "gentleman's sports saloon", or a "carriage for the professional classes". We suspect Jim would appreciate both those descriptions.

Jim's version has a 1.5 litre engine. A later 2.5 litre, which Riley claimed to be capable of 100mph (rather optimistically, according to David) was often bought by police forces as a pursuit car.

Under way




The handbrake is very close
to the driver's knee


Although the layout of the major controls would be familiar to a modern driver, there are a few idiosyncrasies. The indicator switch is in the middle of the steering wheel, and the handbrake is in the perfect position to bang your knee every time you enter the vehicle. It's also impossible to see the speedometer with your hands in the recommended "ten to two" position.

With no power steering, it is heavy at parking speeds, but David praises the handling once it's under way. "It really is a delightful sensation. It drives like it's on rails. On a long sweeping bend, you hardly have to move the steering wheel. I tell people just to lean into the bend, like on a motorbike."

A four-speed box with synchromesh on all except first makes gear changing straightforward (no double-declutching), and the brakes are a combination of hydraulic on the front and rod-operated on the rear. "It's a very positive action with good feedback", says David. "I prefer them to modern servo-assisted brakes."

Maintenance

Although Alistair has been rather scathing of Jim's mechanical prowess, David says that routine maintenance is well within the capabilities of the average Saturday afternoon mechanic. Frequent oil, water and brake fluid level checks are advisable, along with periodic oil changes. The 16 grease nipples require regular attention from the grease gun and the feeler gauge needs to be taken to the plugs and points - although the tolerances are pretty wide (described by one owner as positively "agricultural").

Any parts required for maintenance and repair can be obtained through the club itself. Many owners keep a small stock of parts for immediate use in their garage or workshop, but we haven't yet heard if Jim has taken that precaution.

On the road

Unlike many classic car owners, Jim has taken the bold step of relying on the Riley for his everyday transport. David praises the practicalities of the RMA, saying it can happily cruise at 60mph all day. While he concedes that the small windscreen wipers make heavy rain at motorway speeds less than pleasant, he recommends sticking to the A roads.

In fact, he has just returned from a weekend trip with his RMA, doing the 88-mile return journey in two hours - pulling a caravan!

We'll have to see if Jim is as successful with his new purchase.

The Riley RM series
Riley RM Club
Riley Motor Club

With thanks to David Holden for the photographs.

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