Models

ModelCyl.-capacity Description
9 hp1087 cc1926-1938The Nine engine, designed by Percy Riley, was the most successful Riley engine, both in competitions and sales. It is mainly connected with the Monaco model, a four-door closed car with fabric-coated body and the two-door open racing model Brooklands, which was very successful in its class on racing tracks in the period around 1930. Other models were the open Gamecock and Imp (2-seaters), Lynx (4-seater), Lincock (2-door coupé), and the closed four-door-models Kesterl, Falcon, and Merlin.
14 hp 6/141633 cc1928-1934At the end of 1928 a Nine-engine with two additional cylinders was introduced. The range of models included the closed Stelvio, Deauville, Edinburgh, Winchester, and Alpine (also available as a tourer). There were also Lincock (coupé), Ascot (drophead coupé), and Lynx (open tourer). In addition a few copies were made of the open sports car MPH.
12 hp 6/121458 cc1933-1934To get a suitable engine in the 1500 cc class, an engine with reduced bore was created for use in the Brooklands Six. This became, however, not long-lived in the Riley racing history; the engine was instead used in Mentone and Kestrel (both closed models) as well as in Lincock (coupé), Ascot and Lynx (open).
1.1/2 l 12/41496 cc1935-1938In the autumn of 1934 a four-cylinder 1500 cc engine was introduced, a successful design that remained in production for some 20 years. The following models were available: Falcon, Kestrel, Merlin, Touring Saloon, Adelphi, Close Coupled Touring Saloon (Continental) and Victor. Additionally the open four-seater Lynx and the slightly streamlined Sprite were provided. For a surcharge a Special Series engine could be obtained that had double carburettors and a top speed around 120 km/h (75 mph).
15 hp 6/151726 cc1935-1938This engine was introduced together with the new 1500 cc engine. This was the biggest six that Riley made between the wars, and the following bodies could be obtained with this chassis: Falcon, Kestrel, and Adelphi.
18 hp 8-902178 cc1936-1938In October of 1935 Riley's new V8 was launched, which basically was made from two Nine engine blocks. Only a small number of Adelphis and Kestrels were made with this chassis.
Big Four 16/42443 cc1938Based on the successful 1½-litre engine a big four-cylinder 2½-litre engine was constructed and advertised at the end of 1937. It was a robust design that also was cheaper in production than the available six or eight-cylinder engines. Bodies used included Adelphi, Kestrel, Touring Saloon and Close Coupled Touring Saloon. A single open Lynx was built.
12 4 cyl.14961939-1940After the Nuffield take-over, the entire model range was replaced by one Saloon and one Drophead. These were completely new designs and did not have the sporty charisma of the previous models.
16 4 cyl.2443 cc1939-1940The relatively conventional models Saloon and Drophead were also made available with the 2½-litre engine. Upon popular request, production of the elegant and attractive 6-light Kestrel was resumed. This chassis was initially introduced in the 1½-litre cars of 1936.
1.1/2 l 4 cyl.1496 cc1945-1955Only few months after the end of WWII the first new Riley model was ready. The design was completely new, with long sleek lines and a fabric-coated roof. The engine was the well-known 1½-litre that had been introduced 10 years before. Until the end of 1952 the cars were supplied with hydro-mechanical brakes (RMA), after which they were fitted with hydraulic brakes and a hypoid rear axle (RME). Bigger front bumpers came in 1951 and the next year, 1952, a bigger rear window appeared. At the end of 1953 body changes included built-in fog lights, altered wings and running-boards, and "wheel spats".
2.1/2 l 4 cyl.2443 cc1946-1953In 1946 time had come to introduce the 2½-litre version of the RM model, which now is denoted RMB. The design of this car followed the development of the 1½-litre models, but was discontinued in the autumn of 1953. The last year's cars were called RMF. In 1948 a three-seater roadster, the RMC, appeared, with a simple hood, low doors and non-split front window. Next year, a two-door four-seater drophead copé appeared, the RMD, which just like the roadster was produced until 1951. The drophead had a thick, padded hood and heating as standard.
Pathfinder 4 cyl.2443 cc1953-1957By 1952 Nuffield had become part of BMC and the company was trimmed. The new models were monocoques in contrast to all previous models build on a frame of ash. The Pathfinder, designed by Gerald Palmer, had modern lines and was a both roomy and fast saloon. The engine was the renowned three-bearing big four from the end of the thirties, now at 110 HP. The same body was used for the Wolseley 6-90.
2.6 6 cyl.2639 cc1957-1959The BMC six-cylinder engine was used for this model, which basically was a modified Pathfinder with a different front and a bigger rear window. The Two-Point-Six was Riley's last big car.
1.5 4 cyl.1489 cc1957-1965The One-Point-Five was originally intended as a replacement for Morris Minor. This car, which was also produced as Wolseley 1500, had the BMC 1.5-litre engine, but with double SU carburettors and became popular as a rally car.
4/68 4 cyl.1489 cc1959-1961The 4/68 was a more spacious and elegant model with the same engine as the 1.5. The body, designed by Pinin Farina, was also used for the MG Magnette, Wolseley 15/60, Austin Cambridge, and Morris Oxford.
4/72 4 cyl.1622 cc1961-1969The 4/72 was a slightly altered 4/68 with a bigger engine and modified outside fittings. The corresponding Wolseley model was the 16/60. Also MG, Austin, and Morris were produced in parallel.
Elf Mk. I 4 cyl.848 cc1961-1962The Elf Mk. I was a "Mini" with an extra large luggage compartment, just like the Wolseley Hornet.
Elf Mk. II 4 cyl.998 cc1962-19661962 saw the introduction of the BMC 1100 cc engine, and the model designation became Elf Mk II.
Elf Mk. III 4 cyl.998 cc1966-1969The final version, Elf Mk III, was available with an automatic gearbox.
Kestrel Mk. I 11001098 cc1965-1967The BMC 1100 model with the Riley badge was called Kestrel Mk I - a spacious car in spite of its limited exterior dimensions. It was also available as Austin, Morris, M.G., and Wolseley, all with the model name 1100, as well as the luxurious Vanden Plas Princess.
Kestrel Mk. II 12751275 cc1967-1968In 1967 the BMC 1300 cc engine was introduced in the Kestrel Mk II.
Kestrel Mk. II 11001098 cc1968Also the 1100 cc engine was available in the Kestrel Mk II.
1300 Saloon1275 cc1968-1969The last cars bearing the Riley badge were the 1300 models, now without the name Kestrel.