Classified of the Day – 1955 Riley RME
Gorgeous lines, maximum comfort and more chrome than you can shake a tin of Brasso at. Perfect.
April 6, 2019
The 1950s was a great period for motoring in the UK. The country was positively brimming with car companies, the names of which were the source of much aspiration for many motorists. One of those names was Riley. Very much a luxury brand, Riley took huge amounts of pride in building cars to the highest possible standard. But interestingly, it did so without commanding Rolls Royce money. Riley was an approachable luxury brand, think of it that way. And in the ‘50s, the jewel in its crown was arguably the RM series.
The car we’ve picked today is the RME, which served as the ‘baby’ of the RM range. This meant a 1.5-litre inline-four engine, opposed to the 2.5 ‘big four’ found in the likes of the RMF. The RME was also a follow-up act to the RMA, the first post-war Riley to be built. The RMA was a clever and cutting-edge car. It had hydro-mechanical brakes, independent front suspension and a top speed of a dizzying (for 1945) 75mph. It was also a car that did wonders for Britain’s automotive reputation. This was a well-built, high-end vehicle that seemed to effortlessly rise from the ashes and rubber of a war-torn England.
The RME took burden of continuing the RMA’s reputation by not only adopting all of its tech, but by also improving on it slightly with fully hydraulic brakes and an improved rear axle ratio for better acceleration. The RME also repackaged it ever so slightly. The mudguards were reshaped on the front, the rear window was enlarged to offer greater visibility and the running boards were done away with. Other than that, it was largely the same, ash frame on steel chassis and all.
For us, the Riley RME represents a wonderful way to get a truly historical car without having to pay an excessive amount for it. Plus, there’s no getting away from the fact it’s drop-dead gorgeous – the lines are perfect from front bumper to rear.
This particular car has been subject to restoration, with a bare metal respray, interior re-trim and even some new burr walnut trim. As such, it’s in brilliant condition, but yet this Riley RME is only £11,250. That’s an awful lot of handsome car for the money.
