Riley RM (1945-1955)

With those running boards and exposed wings, the Riley RM looks decidedly pre-war but was actually Britain’s first ‘new’ post-war car, rather than just a rehash of a 1930s design. Consequently, the Riley is much more modern to drive than you might think, thanks to a twin-cam engine, torsion bar front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. And that makes the RM more than capable of holding its own in modern traffic, especially in 2.5-litre form.

If you’re into tinkering, then you’ll be pleased to hear that the Riley is a great car for the DIY enthusiast, plus the parts availability is nothing short of astonishing so you shouldn’t get caught out. There are even plenty of cars about, too – although the really good ones don’t hang around for long.
That’s why joining the Riley RM Club is essential if you really want a minter: the very best cars tend to change hands very quickly within the club.

So far, so good – but there’s one thing to be wary of: the timber-framed construction means that you need to have your wits about you if you don’t want to end up buying a liability. That said, if you want a classic that’s packed with pre-war elegance and post-war practicality, then you’ve found the perfect vehicle.

For the full article pickup your copy of the March issue of Classic Car Mart