1948 Riley RM 2.5 Litre Drophead Coupe Conversion

Lot details
Registration No: JLV 906
Chassis No: 58S3753
Mot Expiry: Exempt

- Drophead Coupe conversion, body converted and restored in 2015

- Engine overhaul in May 2016

- Lovely open tourer ready to be enjoyed

The RM Series cars were the last 'proper' Rileys - the swansong of the marque before it was subsumed into the mighty British Motor Corporation. The model range was manufactured in Coventry until 1949, when production moved to the MG factory at Abingdon. The RMA/RME were large Saloons powered by 1.5-litre four-cylinder engines, while the 7-inches longer RMB/RMF models featured twin-cam 2.5-litre units. The RMC and RMD were limited edition soft-tops. While the latter was a conventional two-door Drophead Coupe, the RMC was a two-door Roadster version of the RMB. The 2.5 litre four-cylinder powerplant produced some 100bhp and was also unusual in having twin pushrod-operated camshafts placed high in the cylinder block.

The chassis number of the car offered today appears to denote it started life as an RMB saloon. The vendor advises JLV 906 was converted to drophead coupe coachwork in 2015, a new interior fitted, whilst a comprehensive engine overhaul was carried out in May 2016. Now resplendent in Bronze with Magnolia interior, this most handsome Riley is described as being in "fabulous condition" with "excellent" bodywork, interior and engine. Forming part of a private collection, we are informed it received a thorough check over in November 2016 at a cost of £1000. This must surely represent an ideal opportunity to acquire a wonderful looking four seater open Riley which will cruise at 80mph for much less than the price of an original.