1953 Riley V12 Special

Registration No: TSK 488
Chassis No: RMF10776
MOT: Exempt

• Based on a shortened Riley RMF Chassis
• Hand-built aluminum bodywork
• Powered by a Lincoln 4.8L V12 engine mated to a Riley gearbox

Introduced in 1946, the Riley RMB was one of the first British cars launched after WW2 to feature a new chassis design. With independent torsion-bar front suspension, rack and pinion steering, it was praised by the motoring press for its excellent handling qualities. Its successor, the RMF arrived in 1951 featuring a host of mechanical revisions. An open propshaft now linked the four-speed manual gearbox to a new hypoid bevel rear axle, whilst the anchors were courtesy of Girling hydraulic brakes. In production for less than two years, just 1,050 RMFs are thought to have been sold.

Based on a shortened Riley RMF chassis, this Special has been hand-built. The construction has utilised aluminium bodywork and wooden frame over the reduced RMF chassis. There is an original 1930s 'fold flat' windscreen built into the functional design. It goes without saying that the old quote from Lotus' Colin Chapman will ring true with many Special builders, "To add speed, add lightness". The power part of the power to weight ratio, is supplied by a Lincoln 4.8L V12 engine mated to the good old Riley gearbox and running gear. The engine was rebuilt at the time of fitting. The vendor says that the car runs and drives but it has been in storage for some years, so it will require assessment and recommissioning work before it is unleashed once more.