1949 RILEY RMA SALOON Registration Number: DJT 566 Chassis ...

Hammer

£3,000

1949 RILEY RMA SALOON

Registration Number: DJT 566
Chassis Number: 39516747

Launched after the end of World War II, the new RM series ran through several iterations of engine size and configuration. The last purely in-house model before the firm was absorbed into the BMC empire, the RMA was launched first as a 1.5 litre saloon, with the (lengthened) 2.5 litre RMB arriving a year later. With an extra 30bhp the RMB achieved a not insignificant top speed of 90mph in the hands of The Motor magazine. The RMB was later replaced by the RMF, while the RMC and RMD were limited-runs; the former was a 2/3 seater roadster, with the latter being a four-seat drophead. The RMA’s production ended in 1952 after seven years, to be replaced by the RME, until it was then replaced by the smaller Riley One-Point-Five in 1955.

First registered in July of 1949, this RMA has had just six private owners in the last 73 years, with the most recent since 2014. In recent years the Riley has been lightly used and garage kept when not on the road. The history file contains bills going back a number of years, and a UK V5C document. Having been stored in recent times, the RMA will no doubt benefit from light recommissioning before being used on the road once more. 

Finished in two-tone cream over grey, the Riley has been subject to previous restoration works. The chassis appears to be solid, as does the coachwork, and the interior has been retrimmed in the past. The vendor informs us that the ash frame has deteriorated in places and will require some attention.

With some further restoration, we are sure this will be a rewarding classic for the next owner.