Category Archives: Riley

Reader’s Letter – Riley Elfs

Thank you for the latest instalment from Dave Turner. Very interesting, and covering cars I have a very good memory about.

Dave shows a red with white roof Vitesse 1:43 model, which carries number plate PTV 791 G. Maz writes that he has the same Vitesse model in green with a white roof, carrying number plate PTV 911 G. Maz’s model has a smaller RILEY badge on the boot lid, and does NOT have the (over-scale) Elf Mk III script on the boot lid.

I can add a THIRD variant of this model, in all-over GREY (no white roof!) with a red interior. Rear RILEY badge and Elf Mk III script are as per Dave’s white over red version. Registration number on that grey model is PTV 781 G.

I do not know if the registration numbers reflect genuine cars (living of dead!). For information, the *TV *** G sequence of registration numbers was issued in later years by the NOTTINGHAM office of the DVLA – so no obvious connection to Riley.

Brendan Leach
by email

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Rambling About Rileys – Part 13

By Dave Turner

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

Riley Elf

“Limousines in Miniature” was how Practical Classics described the Riley Elf in their retrospective look at these cars in March 1992. When the Elf was added to the BMC Mini range along with the very similar Wolseley Hornet in October 1961, the Elf at £694, was the most expensive of all the Mini range, the Hornet was £22 cheaper. In the late 1950s and early 1960s BMC had realised that there was a growing demand for a luxury small car – with more luxury than the current Mini Super and Cooper were offering.

Obviously they could employ the Hornet name for the Wolseley – it was a popular small Wolseley many years before, but they couldn’t really use a corresponding name for the Riley , the Imp, as Rootes had already got that name lined up for a 1963 re-introduction… So Elf was chosen as an alternative label for a diminutive product. Each car was easily identified by what were replications of traditional grilles, mounted on their front panel – nowhere near the actual radiators. These grilles were flanked by distinctive side grilles that accommodated side and flasher lights. These new cars were basically a Mini with a rear end extended by 8½ inches to provide a reasonably large luggage boot with a wooden floor when compared to that of a regular Mini. Many additional features included plated strips around windows and body sides, a wraparound rear bumper, and internal extras (for the time) including screen washers, roof lamp and wind tone horns. A burr walnut instrument panel and leather faced seating were additions exclusive to the Riley. Interesting that the initial demo Elfs featured a small square instrument panel but subsequent production examples had a full width walnut facia, having drop down glovebox lids each side of the the central instrument panel. Early cars had no external joining ribs between the front wings and the panel forward of the doors.

First series Elfs had the established 848cc engine common to standard Minis and the new cars extra weight resulted in a top speed only just bettering 70mph. During 1962 the seats received more leather on their wearing surfaces while a Mark II version came along in January 1963 featuring a 998cc engine that provided a welcome improvement in performance, to balance which, were wider front brakes. At the same time the rear bumper got over riders – all for no increase in list price. Around this time, the front valance was given subtle cut-outs at its ends to provide a bit more cooling air for the front brakes. while from September 1964, along with the rest of the Mini range, these cars got the Hydrolastic suspension.

October 1966 saw the arrival of the Mark III boasting concealed door hinges with push button handles for the doors. The latter now featured winding windows, replacing the previous sliding type with further improvements including a remote gear change, fresh air vents in the facia and the availability of reclining front seats as an option at £150. First gear got synchromesh while automatic transmission was also now optional from 1968.

The Elf was discontinued in August 1969 along with the remaining Riley badged cars, the production total of all versions of the Elf was 30,912.

Models of Elfs have come in a variety of forms. kits, trans-kits, ready made scale models and plated miniatures. Of those found so far three have been of Mark IIs, while six Mark IIIs are all of quite different concept.

Starting with the Mark IIs, a metal kit came from a range called Mini Classics, produced in England these as would be expected offered a extensive range of variations of BMCs Mini. For some reason Elf/Hornet dimensions are often given the wheelbase as 5/32” longer than the regular Mini. The kit was, apart from rubber tyres and window material, all metal, and makes into an attractive miniature. First impression on completion was that it was slightly smaller than some other 1:43 scale Elfs and at the same time sits slightly lower on its wheels. Some parts came plated – bumpers wheels grilles, lights and fuel filler while the end result really depends on how much effort is put into detail painting. The most important internal items are also presented in metal parts – seats, steering column/wheel and gear lever. Nice to note that the window ‘glass’ incorporated a depiction of the division between the two parts in the doors.

Mini Classics 1:43 metal kit from the UK Mark II Elf

Another Mark II came as a kit, in this case a Sun transkit marketed by the man who founded the original Model Auto Review paper magazine back in 1982Rod Ward. The kit was designed to employ the base of a Tomica Dandy Mini-Cooper on which a metal Riley Elf body was mounted. The kit included plated grilles, lights and bumpers as well as a white metal cast body, while the rest of the Tomica Mini can be utilised. The Mini instrument cluster is ideal for a Wolseley Hornet but not exactly correct for the Riley but only a Riley anorak would highlight that. The Tomica wheels look the part on a Mini Cooper but are rather ‘glitzy’ for a dignified Riley. The end result was a perfectly acceptable miniature Elf, albeit looking slightly taller than those issued since.

Sun 1:43 metal trans-kit on Tomica Dandy Mini Cooper base.

By far the most recent Mark II Elf came from Matrix and this is a current model made of resin, with etched window frames and fittings with delicate plated parts. In fact finding anything to criticise is extremely difficult. Flawless paintwork and plating, an interior with the gear lever knob realistically almost touching the steering wheel rim and very neat divider on the door window. There is an absence of handles on the inner door panels but that is correct for a Mark II while the storage bins inside the doors are depicted by careful application of colours, but no actual bin. The base is totally devoid of any printed information but does include a plated exhaust tailpipe at the rear.

Matrix 1:43 resin from China: 43 0081, Riley Elf Mark II

Moving on to Mark IIIs there is quite a varied selection of miniature examples. Keith Dungworth’s Autosculpt range of plated solid castings on an integral plinth feature a Mark III and at a scale of 1:89 the amount of accurate detail that he managed to incorporate is quite amazing.
For example there is even a “Riley Elf” script on the boot lid and all the other fittings are clearly included in the one-piece casting.

Autosculpt 1:89 plated solid casting: RY 02, Riley Elf Mark III

Along the same lines were the slightly larger range of plated and varnished castings that included a 1:57 scale Mark III Elf. These came on an oval wood effect base and initially were called “Mark Models” subsequently “Marque Models” and then “The Craftsman Studio Collection” and were slightly less sharply detailed than Keith’s smaller items. The base featured a title banner while under the base was a potted history.

Marque Models 1:57 plated solid casting: 2148, Riley Elf Mark III

Remaining with the small items, a 1:85 metal kit from the German Lion range was acquired and assembled many years ago. This range of toys and models may be descended from Lion Toys that was created by one Arnie van Leeuwen in 1946 and the Elf was among a varied range of over 60 HO metal kits of extremely diverse subjects in the 1990s. One-piece body casting comes with all detail – grille etc, part of the casting while the cast wheels/tyres mount on to steel axles that fit through lugs in the base.

Lion 1:85 metal kit from Germany: 46, Riley Elf Mark III

Very slightly larger at 1:73 but much more recent (only a few months ago in fact) came the Mark III Elf from Oxford Diecast. These little 00 gauge vehicles are model railway accessories but are also perfectly acceptable miniatures that can be collected if space is at a premium. In fact quite a comprehensive collection can be accumulated that represents most UK cars since the 1960s from the big Oxford range. ‘Simplicity with fine detail’ could best describe the Oxford Elf, Accurately shaped and proportioned body with excellent paint and brightwork where applicable while the interior from the waist down is all in one colour together with black gear lever, steering wheel and blank facia. Wheels and tyres are realistically coloured one-piece plastic.

Oxford 1:76 diecast from China: RE 001, Riley Elf Mk 111

From Portugal came the Vitesse range of attractive 1:43 models with one or two 1:18 items topping the listings. Produced in the mid 1990s, their Mark III Elf looks exceptionally nice but after 30 years, the body surface appears to be bubbling beneath the paint or the paint itself is degenerating. Shame as otherwise it is difficult to fault, plated bumpers grille etc are perfect, The “Elf Mark III” badge on the boot lid is a trifle overscale but the realistic plated wheels carry rubber tyres while the ‘windscreen wipers” are depicted by moulding marks on the windscreen surface and rather vulnerable exterior mirrors are fitted to the front wings.

Editor’s Note: SunStar who now own Vitesse models have produced the Elf more recently in their Vitesse Classic Cars series made in China. I have one in green with white roof. The later models lack the Elf badge on the back and have a much smaller Riley badge above the number plate, and a slightly different number plate PTV 911G.

Vitesse 1:43 diecast from China 055, Riley Elf Mark III

A plastic kit for a Mark III in 1:32 scale came from a range that from memory went under the name ‘Onethirtysecond’ which were also made to build into slot cars. Extremely simple but proportion and detail are fine, rather delicate suspension parts, and strangely a registration plate reading “AYF 247B”, a 1964 issue when Mark III Elfs arrived on the scene in October 1966. Almost complete interior although the instrument panel is the small oval item from a regular Mini and is minus the wood panelled dash common to the Riley Elfs.

Onethirtysecond 1:32 plastic kit: Riley Elf Mk 111

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Rambling About Rileys – Part 12

By Dave Turner

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

The Farinas

When BMC were contemplating new ranges of vehicles in the mid 1950s they were frustrated by the constant arguing between their two big design offices – Austin and Morris, as to who would take charge of a forthcoming project. As a result, Farina in Italy were approached with the resulting small, medium and large cars that appeared towards the end of the decade. On the small subject we got the A40 in January 1958 while we got no less than five entries into the medium size department given office code ADO 9, beginning with the Austin Cambridge A55 Mk 11 in the following September. Large cars were produced under Austin, Wolseley and Vanden Plas badges.

A month later in the medium department came the Wolseley 15/60 quickly followed in another month by the MG Magnette Mark 111. January 1959 had the Morris entry in the form of the Series V. Oxford while the last to arrive in April 1959 was the new Riley given the designation 4/68. While being the most expensive of the whole medium range, the Riley shared its mechanics – twin carbs for the B Series 1498cc engine with the MG Magnette, but had a more comprehensively equipped instrumentation complete with rev. counter set into an extremely attractive burr walnut faced instrument panel. The Rileys interior was the most luxurious and its conception was intended to provide a luxurious cruiser with capacity to exceed 80mph for the new Motorways that were currently being created.

Apart from the subtly shaped grille with its dipped centre tipping its hat to the Rileys of old and the name badges there were no identifying clues to the Riley 4/68, although they and the MG Magnette did share their unique shape of rear wings with fins reduced in height, compared to the other three BMC makes in this medium Farina family.

A few interesting spin-offs of the 4/68 took place – one example came from Wessex Motors who produced a small number of modified cars featuring re-styled rear ends and having a 1588cc MGA engine installed. Another came to light while studying a very elaborate publicity booklet produced by BMC in 1960. This full colour 13 1/2” x 10” production was acquired back then while accumulating a mass of motoring literature that has proved invaluable over the following 60 plus years and is constantly being referred to. If nothing else the contents of this publication goes to show what the UK has lost over the following 60 years as this 26 page production not only highlights BMCs massive operation at home but lists numerous overseas existing and developing operations. Among the latter is a description of a licensing agreement with S.I.A.M. di Tella Automotive in Argentina who had begun assembly of cars initially from parts exported from the UK, this car the Di Tella 1500 was in effect an Austin Cambridge but utilising a Riley 4/68 front panel.

“British Motor Corporation Britain’s Biggest Motor Concern”

The Di Tella 1500 as described in the booklet.

Roger and Joan Tennyson were involved with the start of Jemini Models many years ago and began by creating models of police cars. Among these was a Wolseley 16/60 and so eventually after developments had moved on to the creation of Crossway Models, further Farina saloon models inevitably followed. A Riley 4/68 was among these and very nice it is too. Many fine etched parts include the door window surrounds and the front and rear screen frames plus the extremely delicate windscreen wipers. Like most metal models from this time, its heft is the first thing noticed on picking it up. Lights all round are extremely fine separate parts, detailed and painted appropriately with coloured “lenses’, door handles are individual plated parts, the two colour finish is flawless while the full length bright strip is carefully scraped down to the bright metal casting although it lacks the appropriate door line gaps – one has to stop somewhere !

The base has some simple detail plus a very narrow exhaust tailpipe, but the interior really deserves some effort with a magnifying glass and a fine light, as the facia is captured down to the last instrument and knob, the door panels have paint, ‘walnut’ and red upholstery plus door pulls and located way down are the door handles. Having maybe gone overboard with praise, a quick glance on the internet and an example was noted being offered for just one penny under £300 – obviously the admiration is shared

Crossway Models 1:43 metal from UK: CM 16, Riley 4/68

As a complete contrast price wise to the Crossway, the model of the SIAM De Tella from Altaya comes in at a little over a tenth of that price. Nevertheless it is an extremely acceptable miniature in the established amazing value of this range of models….but is it a Riley? Well, BMC themselves described it as an Austin A55 Mk II with a Riley front panel so that will have to be accepted, but including the model adds some novelty to the proceedings. To be honest, it is a superb model of an A55 Mark II in every respect…with a Riley front panel. Close study of the otherwise fine paint job and clear windows reveal that there are a few blemishes and scratches – apparently inflicted during assembly or packing. There is a large amount of extremely fine silver colour applied to window surrounds, body side and boot lid “moulding”, wheels and door handles. Bumpers, lights, external mirrors, grilles, windscreen wipers and hub caps are smoothly plated while the interior is equally well detailed.

Altaya 1:43 diecast from China: SIAM de Tella 1500

Altaya 1:43 diecast from China: SIAM de Tella 1500 pickup

After barely 2½ years BMC came to the conclusion that the whole medium Farina range was in need of some improvements and so in September 1961 diagram ADO 38 launched the five new cars – the Austin Cambridge became the A60, the Wolseley became a 16/60, the MG a Mark IV Magnette, Morris’s Oxford was now Series VI while the Riley was now a 4/72.

Quite significant changes were made across the range – the front suspension got an anti roll bar, the rear received a stabiliser, both track and wheelbase were increased marginally, the engine size was increased to 1622cc while auto transmission was now optional. As a result both performance and handling were greatly improved and very little else was considered necessary over the following years, although new springs were fitted from January 1962.

The 4/72 was eventually discontinued in October 1969, the MG had been the first to go in April 1968, followed by the A60 in February 1969, while the Oxford continued until April 1971 and the 16/60 2 months later in June. No less than 10,940 4/68s were made in 2½ years, but only 14,151 4/72s were produced in just over 8 years of their production lifetime.

Having tooled up to create the Riley 4/68, it was obvious that Crossway would use more or less the same tooling to supply us with a 4/72. In this small scale there is no difference in the overall shape, OK the wheelbase is a fraction longer and the track an equally small amount wider so isn’t really noticeable, however by creating a totally different two-tone colour division they look to be quite different cars! Another subtle difference is the fact that the 4/72 depicts the louvred wheel trims that were held on by the hub caps. It goes without saying that the interior is also simply up to the same standard as the 4/68. – superb! Strangely both have the same Crossway catalogue number.

Crossway Models 1:43 metal from UK: CM 16, Riley 4/72.

Silas Models were created in Paris during 2011 by Frederic Cros and many UK and European subjects have been created. Their 4/72 is created in the current resin form and is extremely accurately detailed with a great deal of fine bright trim around windows and where ever plated parts would be found. One point that is rather obvious is the plated grille that is too small, and that also applies to the wheels that scale out to be an inch or so too small. The numerous external fittings are separate plated components – door handles, rear licence plate lights, boot lid handle, bumpers, lights and reflectors and external mirrors while the windscreen wipers are extremely fine in themselves. Inside the facia is printed but looks fine, while the doors and seats are all one colour, with plenty of bright painted detail for window winders and handles.

Silas Models 1:43 resin: SM 43016, Riley 4/72

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Rambling About Rileys – Part 11

By Dave Turner

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

The One-Point-Five

Approaching the mid 1950s, BMC had a substantially developed replacement for the familiar Morris Minor 1000. However the fact that the existing Minor was continuing to sell in vast numbers, that idea was put to one side but subsequently redeveloped into a modest sized Wolseley saloon, based on the same floorpan and suspension and making its appearance as the 1500 with a 1,489cc B Series engine in May 1957. Unlike the Minor with its 948cc A Series engine, the new Wolseley with the B Series had a quite reasonable performance, coupled to a much more luxurious interior.

Six months later in November a Riley version of this same car appeared, having an even more luxurious and well equipped interior that included a full instrumented dash. These Rileys were intended to offer a desirable modest sized sports saloon and featured the B Series engine but in the same degree of tune with twin carbs as the MGA sports car. Rileys sold far fewer – 39,568, than the Wolseley – 100,722, partly due to the fact that there were far fewer Riley dealers than those for the Wolseley. Recognised by their traditional grille, the Rileys were for some time favoured by BMC in their competition department but subsequently they moved across to their MGA.

Models of early Riley One-Point-Fives come into the picture during the mid 1990s when Richard Briggs at MiniMarque 43 added 1:43 handbuilt models of them to his range. It has to be admitted that the distinctive front end of these Rileys with the subtle slope of the front panel and resulting curve of the grille when viewed from the side is invariably missed – suspicion is that so the same body shell casting could also be employed for miniature Wolseley 1500s. However, the MM43 model Rileys were very nice with well detailed interiors, separate plated details like door handles, fuel cap and number plate light, the windscreen wipers are cast with the body though. MM43 went on to produce all three types of One-Point-Five in model form.

Around this time several new operations were producing some very nice models, among them Pathfinder and they offered a very nice early One-Point-Five in 1:44 scale (according to the wheelbase). This one does capture some of the distinctive slope of the front panel while most of the small details like door handles included in the main casting were given a careful dab of silver paint. The nicely finished interior lacks some details like door hardware and a handbrake lever but the ‘glass-like’ paint finish, realistic wheels and hub caps and the various plated fittings – bumpers, grilles, lights etc combine to create a desirable model.

Illustrations 1. Pathfinder 1:44 metal from UK: PFM 14, first series Riley One-Point-Five.

In 2009 a few years after the Pathfinder model, Brooklin added an early Wolseley 1500 to their range of Lansdowne UK subjects and inevitably an early type One-Point-Five soon followed. and continued in production until 2014. It might be suspected that there was some connection between the two model Rileys from Pathfinder and Brooklin, the wheelbase of the latter also scales out to 1:44 but close study shows many extremely subtle differences. the fact that they are such good models of the same subject forces them to appear similar of course. For example all the many very small plated items such as door handles were separate castings but as the same basic body casting used was shared with the Wolseley 1500 this resulted in the front being noticeably flat. Items like the plated strips along the bonnet and body sides were recessed into the body casting so didn’t project too far while the model name scripts cast into the body shell can be seen beneath the paint on the front wings and boot lid.

Illustrations 2. Lansdowne 1:44 metal from UK: 77, first series Riley One-Point-Five.

An early update to the real car took place in August 1959 when fatter 5.60×14 tyres replaced the 5.00x14s of the early cars while in the following May a full width parcel shelf was added below the dash and internal hinges for bonnet and boot replaced the external type – resulting in a more restricted access as the boot lid didn’t open as far. These were unofficially known as Mark 11s.

By the mid 1960s, several real Rileys had been enjoyed as family cars over the years, kicking off with a Merlin and a Monaco from the 1930s, then going post war with an RME, followed by a Two-Point Six – certainly a selection of varied experiences. Then “going modern” with a One-Point-Five that was quite different again – its relationship to the humble Minor 1000 not being obvious in either its appearance or daily use. 2367 YB had begun life in West Yorkshire during September 1961 listed at £824 and was among the final few of what were unofficially called Mark 11s. with their concealed bonnet and boot hinges but early pattern lights – very enjoyable nevertheless.

Illustration 3. 1961 second Series Riley-One-Point-Five in the mid 1960s.

A model of the second series One-Point-Five was listed by MiniMarque 43

In October 1961 a slightly restyled front end had finer bars in the lower grille that stopped level with the ends of the bumper rather than wrapping around towards the wheel opening. At the same time the flashing indicators were combined with the front side lights while the rear light cluster was larger, being shared with those of the Austin A40 Farina. Once again, this particular third series was given an unofficial title of Mark 111 in many items in the motoring press.

Having enjoyed a relatively new example of a second series One-Point-Five many years earlier, by the time an example of the third series had been acquired they had almost reached ‘collectors’ status. 3099 RH began its life in Hull during November 1962 costing £707 but by the time it was acquired it had gone down in value to a single figure – £5 ! An interesting point was that it was bought off the brother of my best pal at school who hadn’t realised that it had his initials on the registration – “RH’ plus he lived at house number 99 and he was just 30 years old at that time! The subsequent life of this car was in brother Alan’s ownership who eventually installed an MGB engine, lowered the suspension and was sometimes called in to recover local classic car club members vehicles.

Illustration 4 1962 third series One-Point-Five as purchased for £5 with bent wing etc.


Illustration 5 3099 RH in later modified form recovering a Model Y Ford.

Back in the 1970s, Mike and Sue Richardson had established a very successful model business as well as the production of books on model and toy history. Another subsequent development was the creation of a model/kit production operation called appropriately Mikansue. This was in the relatively early days of white metal model production, and while the early offerings were eagerly snapped up they certainly lacked some of the finesse that was to be expected in the white metal world over the next few years. Among these models of so far neglected subjects came a third series One-Point-Five in kit form, featuring numerous small castings for all the fittings like door handles. The fine body casting featured all the raised strips and window frames that were detailed sufficiently to be scraped shiny after painting. The chance to create the distinctive two-tone colour finish given to the real cars was taken, the subsequent ready made models of many years later invariably only gave their models a single colour treatment.

Illustrations 6. Mikansue 1:43 metal kit from UK: 28, third series One-Point-Five.

Once again MiniMarque 43 produced models of the third series cars and one has actually been located. Depicting all the necessary features it is a delightful model, that finer lower grille, stopped short at the corner of the wing, those larger A40 pattern rear lights and numerous fine bright cast fittings – door handles, fuel filler etc. together with some interior detail like door handles, window winders etc make for a very nice miniature.

Illustrations 7. MiniMarque 43 1:43 metal from UK: 24C. third series One-Point-Five

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The Model and the Inspiration – Riley Kestrel Six

By Dave Turner

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

First, to be honest, the real car that inspired this was a 1934 example while the BKL kit was listed as for a 1935. That was the closest available back then – or even now. Barry Lester began during the 1960s making 1:43 scale models from wood. Some time later he began producing masters for Acorn 1:43 kits and subsequently in 1971 formed Auto Replicas with Lesley Hurle Bath and proceeded to produce a new model every three months, opening a branch in Amsterdam as the majority of his sales were overseas. Most of his own models were cast by Adrian Swain (ABS) while Berry Lester himself was busy casting models for other ranges.

Eventually the operation was re-named BKL Developments and produced kits in 1:24, 1:76 and 1:86 while subsequently moving to Lanhelin in Brittany in 1993. The company was offered for sale in 1999 and ultimately bought by Adrian Swain, while Barry Lester continued to create patterns for other producers and carry out restoration activities in France until his death.

No 3 in the BKL range that could be purchased as a kit or as a finished model was a 1935 Riley Kestrel and it was stated to be to 1:76 scale. Measuring the finished models wheelbase suggest that it scales out to 1:82 but in its component form it must have presented a formidable project to father Ron – who was well known locally for making almost anything. It was still in its unbuilt form when inherited from his estate some 35 years ago. More than likely he took one look at the dismantled bits of white metal that he considered it below his established level of engineering. By far the least satisfactory item would have been the radiator which after all was the most identifiable feature of a Riley – that in kit was simply far too flat.



It was eventually completed and once given the appropriate colour scheme it did resemble the real thing in an acceptable way. Lack of window ‘glass’ material was the norm in kits of this small size back then but the distinctive low slung sweeping character of the Kestrel was well and truly captured – if anything possibly exaggerated a trifle. Studying it all these years later suggests that it might benefitted from a little more time being spent making it. Providing some appropriate colours for the interior that featured seats and a steering wheel would have been appropriate, and of course an attempt should have been made to find a better radiator. However, as the sub-title of the range suggests, these were after all simply intended as lineside accessories for model railway layouts.

The first six cylinder Rileys appeared in late 1928 as the 14/50 Stelvio Six. These featured a 1,633cc. 14hp. engine and came on a 10’ wheelbase chassis. An additional shorter 9’6”wheelbase came for 1929 and was designated Light Six and so the 10’ models were then known as the Long Six. Numerous styles and model names were employed, and from the scuttle (‘A’ Post) to the rear they were more or less identical to the smaller 9hp engined Rileys..

In order to comply with International Class F racing regulations (1,500cc), an optional 12hp six was available with a reduced bore 1486cc engine from 1932 while for 1933 the range was made even greater, the shorter wheelbase cars now called ‘Short Six’ and included the first Kestrel with its low slung ‘streamlined’ styling. An optional Flexoil transmission with fluid clutch was available for this one year.

However, for the following year a Newton centrifugal clutch and pre-selector gear system became an option and at the same time the bodies were now all-steel, apart from the sunshine roof covering. The windscreen pillars were made slimmer and the wings became much more sweeping in shape. An Enots ‘one-shot’ lubrication system was standard while the Kestrel, on the Short Six chassis was given a much more streamlined tail that not only improved the lines but provided more luggage space.

Six cylinder Riley engines for 1933/4 featured a water-cooled centre main bearing and inevitably this led to serious problems, not the least being the damage caused by frost when the bearing housings own special drain tap was overlooked in cold weather – no anti-freeze around back then! Owners who suffered such a terminal experience were offered a modified engine featuring a non-water cooled centre main bearing, and this 1,726cc engine featured in 1935 cars while for 1936 the Kestrel got a new even sleeker six-light body.

Father Ron who had been running Grandad Georges 1932 Monaco for some years had obviously got the Riley bug in the late 1950s and acquired a 1934 Kestrel. This was duly towed home to North Cave from Cottingham (behind the Monaco) as it had succumbed to the ‘water not drained from engine’ syndrome with the terminal result. AAF 497 had originated in Cornwall back in 1934, the list price then being £358. Options included the £60 Special Series power unit at £60, this featured triple carbs and a top speed of 75mph (plus 21 mpg) while the pre-selector gear system was £27 extra. The newly acquired Kestrel was then to spend some time being resurrected and subsequently employed as father’s regular car for the following 25 years or so.


As Ron was totally devoted to the bomb-proof Riley nine engine, it was no surprise when such a unit was obtained, overhauled and fitted into the Kestrel, along with many other performance and reliability improving modifications. A vast mileage was subsequently covered by this venerable old Riley, both commuting to work in Hull and all over the country on holidays and to car shows.. Unfortunately following fathers passing in 1989 the prospect of restoring/preserving the car was far beyond our joint funds and abilities and so it was reluctantly sold on, its present status and whereabouts are unknown.



Footnote: during fathers ownership of the car, he had obtained an extremely crude metal kit for a model of the Kestrel but never got around to attempting to make anything of it. Many years later it was handed down and after much fettling was made to resemble a 1934 Kestrel in outline if nothing else!


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Rambling about Rileys – Part 10

By Dave Turner

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

Following on from the rather mixed fortunes of the Pathfinder, BMC possibly quite bravely decided to try again with a large saloon under the Riley name. This time the traditional grille was the only item that could be traced back to the genuine Riley parts bin, the body and chassis being virtually the same as their Mark III Wolseley 6/90. This new Two-Point-Six made its debut in August 1957, gone was the famous 2,443cc four cylinder Riley engine used in the Pathfinder, replaced by the 2,639cc BMC ‘C’ series unit that was also fitted in Austin’s A95 and A105, the Austin Healey 100/6; Morris Isis; and Wolseley 6/90.

The Two-Point-Six was the first Riley to offer automatic transmission as an option and came standard with radio in a padded dash together with a dished for safety steering wheel. Production began at Abingdon but subsequently moved to Cowley but by May 1959 only 2,000 had been made. The Two-Point-Six was intended to provide a fast luxurious long distance touring saloon and having grown up with Rileys in the 1940/50s when a local example became available who could say “No”?. What’s more UAJ 500 was a local car with a low mileage and in superb condition and the only previous owner in the old style log book being a local fish and chip eatery.

The ‘C’ series engine gave the car a top speed approaching the ton, although the weight of the car required a gallon for every 19 miles, but it was cheaper to buy than a P4 Rover or a 3.4 Jaguar. but more expensive than BMCs Westminsters and Morris Isis, and the big Fords.

Illustration 1: 1959 Riley Two-Point-Six UAJ 500 photographed in the 1960s.


As mentioned in the piece on the Pathfinder, a model of which was intended to be produced by the MiniMarque 43 range of handbuilt miniatures, the same can be said of the Two-Point Six that was included in a list of forthcoming items from them, although so far not confirmed in the metal.

However one that did make an appearance in real life came from Brooklin’s Lansdowne range of UK subjects in 2009. Catalogued as number LDM 72 it seems to have only been produced for that one year but examples for sale appear to this day on the internet. This 1:43 Two-Point-Six is up to the established standard of the Lansdowne range, finished in an authentic two tone green together with numerous fine plated castings for items like decoration strips and door handles, lights. grille and bumpers etc. The distinctive big wheel trims are well depicted while the interior is well filled with maroon seats and wood finish facia although the steering wheel is quite flat and not dished and the gear lever and notched seat are omitted – maybe this car was automatic?

Among the little items worthy of close study is the way that the two driving lights are mounted on rearward extensions on the front bumper over riders and that while all the tiny facia details are hardly visible, they are all included in the casting but hidden beneath the ‘wood’ finish. A delicate dab of blue on the raised surface where the Riley badge would be at the top of the grille would have just set the front end off admirably – likely to have been done by a few fastidious collectors!

As a footnote to the model/miniature situation, there is a 3D Riley Two-Point-Six advertised on the internet for $130 accompanied by numerous impressive illustrations but just what this is has not been determined.


Illustration 2 & 3 Lansdowne 1: 43 handmade in UK, LDM 72; Riley Two-Point-Six


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Rambling About Rileys – Part 8

By Dave Turner

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

Reaching the final chapter of the distinctive RM Series Rileys. and some changes to the RMB 2½ litre engines took place early in 1952. A lower compression and re-designed camshafts that now had shell bearings in place of the white metal type, while the twin drive belts to the water pump were reduced to a single unit. These engines were designated RMB2.

Then in July 1952 the 1½ litre became the RME and the became the RMF both having significant changes to the drive line and chassis. The torque tube drive was replaced by an open prop shaft and hypoid rear axle (shared with the MG TD and Wolseley 4/44) together with stronger rear springs. At the same time the part mechanical rear brakes were made fully hydraulic. So many small changes took place at different times in 1952 that it is claimed that no two Rileys from that year are identical.

Next in October 1952, the rear roof line was raised slightly and that equally slightly enlarged the rear window. At around the same time the rather slow sales were hit hard by a rise in prices and a big increase in purchase tax while a month later the RMF was discontinued to be replaced by the Post War styled Pathfinder. Sales of the smaller engined Riley were significantly increased by the upgrade to the new changes to the bodywork in October 1953. Although quite subtle they managed to make the car appear less elderly, starting at the front, the driving lamps were set into the apron of the front wings while the side lights were flared into the top of the wings, both front and rear of which were restyled to feature a creased central rib along their tops. The hinged vents just forwards of the front doors were now vertical rather than at an angle while the running boards were removed and replaced by a curved sill panel that ran rearwards to the rear wings that now featured a removable spat partly enclosing the wheel. The rear window was enlarged once more.

In April 1954 it was found necessary to fit stoneguards to the lower front corner of the rear wings as there was now no running board to protect them from stone chips. It was also the time at which a rear lamp had to be fitted to each rear wing to comply with new regulations and a revised number plate lamp installed. The last RME left the production line in January 1955.

Having been literally brought up with Rileys, when an RME was traded in for a P4 Rover at the BMC/Armstrong Siddeley agency at which the writer was working in the early 1960s, the opportunity could not be missed to take it out of the showroom and home. It remained as the family transport for a few years and apparently continued to do so as a newspaper photo from 1985 illustrates, what’s more it is apparently currently taxed until April 2024!

Illustration 1 & 2 January 1954 Riley RME pictured in the 1960s.

Illustration 3 Same car photographed for a newspaper in 1985 – with another family.

As far as models go, so far only two miniatures of an early RME or RMF have been located, and one came from MiniMarque 43 with some input from Illustra, as that name appears on the base that is identical to that of MM43s RMB otherwise. More identifiable RMF features are depicted in the bodywork however, for example the double rear bumper and the larger rear window are present and correct. Externally the model is enjoyable to gaze at, with its carefully scraped bright waistline mouldings and running board inserts, for some reason however while the seats and facia are very nicely depicted no attempt has been made to finish the inner door panels.

Moving to the model of the early RME it is in fact a companion to the wooden Roadster previously described. Scaling out to 1:23 the Saloon is just as pleasing and eye-catching and features those subtle points that help to date it accurately – the double rear bumper for example was just prior to the appearance of the ‘spatted ‘ RME while again the only i.d. on the base is PW. ’94. All the various delicate elements have been carefully highlighted with darker coloured treatment – waistline moulding, handles, hinges, grille, trafficators etc. clearly depicted.

The earliest model of a “spatted” RME came as a white metal kit from Mikansue back in the early days of such things. Back then, as it was the only miniature RME available it was naturally very welcome. The grille isn’t on target – it has too few ribs to start with – and the bonnet is too long so the wheelbase scales out to 1:41, otherwise it does make into a model that was very welcome all those years ago. The rear window is rather narrow but there was quite enough interior detail to give a painted finish for some realism. Needless to say that even now many years since it and a handful of the only other miniature Rileys to be found it is still regarded as a prized member of the collection.

Some years later, a nice handbuilt RME came from the MiniMarque 43 range depicting most, or all, the final additions that appeared on the real cars – the distinctive ‘spatted’ rear mudguards, the shiny stoneguards on the lower front corners of the rear wings and the twin tail lights just above the rear bumper on the rear wings. The metal base has some basic detail – chassis members, exhaust system and drive line. It may be suggested that these came after this range had moved on to Illustra as Richard Briggs’ “Cilla” transfer is omitted from the base. Etched windscreen wipers are so fine that are barely visible with the naked eye.

Illustrations

4 & 5 MiniMarque 43 1:43 metal from UK; UK 22, 1954 RME saloon

6 & 7 Mikansue 1:41 metal kit from UK; 33, 1953 RME saloon

8 & 9 MiniMarque 43 1:43 metal from UK; UK 23, 1952 RMF saloon

10 & 11 Unknown make 1:23 wood from UK; 1952 RME saloon

12 & 13 MiniMarque 43 1:43 metal from UK; UK 22, 1954 RME saloon – colour variation.

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Rambling about Rileys – Part 7

By Dave Turner

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

While the production of the post war Rileys was gradually increasing, only a few significant modifications were found necessary. In October 1950 the curving facia containing the instruments was replaced for the 1951 season by a rectangular facia presenting two large circular dials between which were four rectangular instruments for the minor readings.

Production was tending to be down early in 1951 partly due to the deletion of both the Convertible and Roadster and then for the 1952 cars, that made their debut at the 1951 Motor Show, quite noticeable changes were made to the bumpers, that at the front became a single full width item, previously it had no centre section while at the rear the central bumper became double between the over riders. The spare wheel was accessible through this ‘slot’.

More significant updates were on the horizon – July 1952 saw the introduction of the RME and RMF as the RMA and RMB were re-designated. This involved a major chassis update with an open prop. shaft replacing the torque tube transmission together with a new hypoid rear axle. Perhaps surprisingly the better selling RMF was discontinued in September 1953 but this was in anticipation of the arrival of the new big Riley – the Pathfinder – given the model number RMH.

We have once more several miniature Rileys representing the foregoing series, Starting with the smallest, there is a John Day kit in 1:76 for a metal model of the 2½ litre saloon, that combines the single rear bumper that was replaced by the double pattern at the same time as the complete front bumper arrived, and the kit features the full front item. Only the Riley anorak would notice that of course! Otherwise it builds into an acceptable model and includes ‘windows’ and an interior but it does appear slightly elongated with noticeable projecting bumpers and slightly oversize grille.

My old friend long past Richard Briggs did some nice Rileys in his MiniMarque 43 range of hand built models and they included the 1951 line-up – RMA and RMB saloons together with a RMD drophead. Naturally they all have much in common, they all depict the examples that featured the split front bumper although they do have the often fitted badge bar between the over riders while at the rear are the quarter rear bumpers. They all have the rectangular instrument panel and this can be viewed easily in the case of the Drophead along with all the other fine interior fittings – door handles, window winders, pedals, steering wheel and gear lever, and with the help of a light, they can all be seen inside the saloons. At first glance it appears that the trafficators are missing from the saloons but very close scrutiny reveals that they are extremely faintly marked in the casting under the paint, while those on the drophead are clearly very low down in the rear quarter panels – ‘hard to see from behind’ was the contemporary comment. Windscreen wipers are so fine they are barely visible the plated windscreen frame is an etched part while fittings like door handles look like separate castings on the RMA and Drophead but blend into the scraped bare waistline strip on the RMB. The bright strips on the running boards also appear to have been carefully scraped shiny. The distinctive wheel cover pattern is depicted very well with both colour and bright surface treatment in the appropriate places. At this distance in time the portrait of a dog labelled ‘Cilla’ on the base may seem strange but that was Richards much loved dog and became his trade mark.

The CMA Mouldcast tooling that had produced their resin Riley models moved on to Crossway Models and were employed to create some superb metal 1:43 Rileys, both RMA and RMB saloons, they carry both makers names on their bases. For quality there is very little to choose between these and Richard Briggs MM43 models, the interiors are equally well depicted although through the saloons windows that is not so easy to determine. Waistline and running board strips are just as well made bright, handles and hinges are finely created and the windscreen frame is also scraped bright. Wheel covers are once more faithfully depicted and the front bumpers do not have a badge bar in this case, while the separate spot lamps are just as vulnerable and can easily be lost. The windscreen wipers are as delicate as those on the MM43 models while for some reason the boot lid handle on the RMA is horizontal – that on the RMB is vertical. The tyres occasionally have a tendency to slide off the wheels.

Illustrations:

John Day 1:76 metal kit from UK: 1951 RMB saloon’

MiniMarque 43 1:43 metal handbuilt from UK: UK 19, 1951 RMA saloon

MiniMarque 43 1:43 metal handbuilt from UK; UK 1A, 1951 RMB saloon

MiniMarque 43 1:43 metal handbuilt from UK: UK 21, 1951 RMD Drophead

Crossway 1:43 metal handbuilt from UK; CM 04, 1951 RMA saloon

Crossway 1:43 metal handbuilt from UK: GC 07, 1951 RMB saloon

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It’s a Riley RMC!

By Karl Schnelle

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

We had several good replies to our query about Olivier’s green 1:43 white metal model. Edward thought it might be by CMA (CMA Moldform), and there is a Riley RMC in hobbyDB that was commissioned for the Riley Club. The photos are very small and might also be from the same molds as the ones below?

Another potential match was noted by Roger and John on the 1:43 White Metal British Cars Facebook group as a Motorkits Minimarque Midlantic model. The RMC was started by Motorkits and taken over/improved(?) by Minimarque, eventually being sold/improved(?) by Midlantic Models.

The Motorkits photo is from a 2023 Excalibur Auction website, and the Minimarque top up is from Worthpoint.

The kit is also found currently on ebay by Midlantic Models (Sep 2023), labeled a 1950 Riley RMC.


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WOSSAT?

By Karl Schnelle

Text copyright of the Author and photographs copyright of a Olivier Weyl.

After reading our series, Ramblings about Rileys, Olivier Weyl messaged us about his recent 1:43 Riley find. It is unmarked on the base so he is wondering who made it.

The Riley convertible was a kit in poor condition and found at a swap meet in France. It required disassembly and was reassembled and painted by his friend who specializes in this type of restoration. Olivier thinks it might have been made for a Riley club.

Here are some before and during restoration photos:

And some after photos:

Any help would be appreciated.


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