Riley | Classic-car-images

A collection of images of classic Riley cars, and cars that are likely to become classics, taken at numerous visits to car shows, motoring museums, motoring events and on the road when the opportunity arises.

This page was added to the website July 2023.

Riley was a British motorcar and bicycle manufacturer from 1890. Riley became part of the Nuffield Organization in 1938 and was merged into the British Leyland Motor Corporation in 1968. In July 1969 British Leyland announced the immediate end of Riley production, although 1969 was a difficult year for the UK automotive industry and many cars from Riley's inventory may have been first registered in 1970.

Today, the Riley trademark is owned by BMW.

1890

1899 Riley Royal motorised tricycle, 5 DOR

Image taken at British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire, on 9th August, 2024.
DVLA records show the vehicle as registered on 21st November, 1961.
240cc petrol engine.

The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
The Riley family had interests in Coventry's weaving industry but William Riley turned to the manufacture of bicycles when these became fashionable towards the end of the nineteenth century. He founded the Riley Cycle Company in 1896.
One of his sons, Percy Riley, designed and built a four-wheeled motor car in 1898but the company initially responded to the invention of motor vehicles by entering the motorised cycle rather than motor car market.
This 3.5hp tricycle was displayed at the 1899 Cycle Show inspired by the French De Dion Bouton tricycles of that period. The engine is of the De Dion type, manufactured under licence by the Cudell company of Aachen in Germany.
The tricycles were manufactured for the next two or three years together with pedal cycles, motor cycles and the quadricycle. This example is the oldest known surviving Riley motor vehicle. It was discovered in derelict condition in 1955 by Squadron-Leader H A Knight and subsequently restored to running order, before being acquired for the Trust's collection.
Engine: 1cyl. 240cc. Top speed: 15mph (24kph). Power: 2bhp. Coachwork: tricycle. Price new: not quoted. Registration mark: 5 DOR.

1899 Riley Royal motorised tricycle, 5 DOR

Image taken at British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire, on 9th August, 2024.
DVLA records show the vehicle as registered on 21st November, 1961.
240cc petrol engine.

The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
The Riley family had interests in Coventry's weaving industry but William Riley turned to the manufacture of bicycles when these became fashionable towards the end of the nineteenth century. He founded the Riley Cycle Company in 1896.
One of his sons, Percy Riley, designed and built a four-wheeled motor car in 1898but the company initially responded to the invention of motor vehicles by entering the motorised cycle rather than motor car market.
This 3.5hp tricycle was displayed at the 1899 Cycle Show inspired by the French De Dion Bouton tricycles of that period. The engine is of the De Dion type, manufactured under licence by the Cudell company of Aachen in Germany.
The tricycles were manufactured for the next two or three years together with pedal cycles, motor cycles and the quadricycle. This example is the oldest known surviving Riley motor vehicle. It was discovered in derelict condition in 1955 by Squadron-Leader H A Knight and subsequently restored to running order, before being acquired for the Trust's collection.
Engine: 1cyl. 240cc. Top speed: 15mph (24kph). Power: 2bhp. Coachwork: tricycle. Price new: not quoted. Registration mark: 5 DOR.

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1900

1905 Riley 9HP, BC 8512

Image taken at the NEC Classic Motor Show on 9th November 2024.
DVLA records show the vehicle as being registered on 1st January 2005.
1034cc petrol engine.

1907 Riley Popular, LB 4612

Image taken at British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire, on 9th August, 2024.
DVLA records show the vehicle was registered on 1st February, 1983.
517cc petrol engine.

The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Tri-cars, which were popular as cheap family transport, were as close to the motorcycle as to the motor car. The fashion only lasted for a few years after the turn of the century, but in their heyday they represented popular motoring at its best.
Rileys were particularly successful with models selling at prices ranging from 70 to 130 Guineas. Their most sophisticated models were produced in the 1905-1907 period.
This 5hp tri-car was designed by Stanley Riley, one of five talented Riley brothers. It had a tubular chassis, leaf spring suspension at the back, a two-speed and reverse gearbox, and wheel steering.
There was even a proper seat rather than a saddle for the driver. With many awards taken in reliability runs, hill climbs, and other trials, the tri-cars laid a modest foundation for Riley's sporting achievements in later years.
Engine: 1cyl. 517cc. Top speed: 45mph (72kph). Power: 5bhp. Coachwork: tri-car with fore-carriage. Price new: £90. Registration mark: LB 4612.

1907 Riley Popular, LB 4612

Image taken at British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire, on 9th August, 2024.
DVLA records show the vehicle was registered on 1st February, 1983.
517cc petrol engine.

The notice displayed with the vehicle states:

Tri-cars, which were popular as cheap family transport, were as close to the motorcycle as to the motor car. The fashion only lasted for a few years after the turn of the century, but in their heyday they represented popular motoring at its best.
Rileys were particularly successful with models selling at prices ranging from 70 to 130 Guineas. Their most sophisticated models were produced in the 1905-1907 period.
This 5hp tri-car was designed by Stanley Riley, one of five talented Riley brothers. It had a tubular chassis, leaf spring suspension at the back, a two-speed and reverse gearbox, and wheel steering.
There was even a proper seat rather than a saddle for the driver. With many awards taken in reliability runs, hill climbs, and other trials, the tri-cars laid a modest foundation for Riley's sporting achievements in later years.
Engine: 1cyl. 517cc. Top speed: 45mph (72kph). Power: 5bhp. Coachwork: tri-car with fore-carriage. Price new: £90. Registration mark: LB 4612.

1907 Riley 9hp V-Twin, YU 4031

Image taken at British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire, on 9th August, 2024.
DVLA records show the vehicle was registered on 1st February 1983.
1034cc petrol engine.

The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
This was Riley's first production car, produced between 1905 and 1910/ The gearbox and a V-twin engine were positioned under the seat and there was chain drive to the rear axle. The chassis was a tubular frame, suspended on quarter-elliptical leaf springs all round.
An interesting feature of many early Riley cars was the company's patented design for detachable wire wheels. Edwardian motorists were wary of this invention, believing that the wheels would fall off. In an era where punctures were almost a daily occurrence, sense eventually prevailed and Riley built up a flourishing subsidiary business supplying many of their competitors with detachable wire wheels.
One of these little Rileys made the fastest time of day in 9 hill-climbs in 1907, and was driven by Victor Riley. The V-twin engine was very versatile, powering the company's own cars and tri-cars, as well as rail cars, special terrain-going vehicles for India and even a two-ton truck.
Engine: V2cyl. 1035cc. Top speed: 25mph (40kph). Power: 12bhp. Coachwork: two-seater tourer. Price new: £168. Registration mark: YU 4031.

1907 Riley 9hp V-Twin, YU 4031

Image taken at British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire, on 9th August, 2024.
DVLA records show the vehicle was registered on 1st February 1983.
1034cc petrol engine.

The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
This was Riley's first production car, produced between 1905 and 1910/ The gearbox and a V-twin engine were positioned under the seat and there was chain drive to the rear axle. The chassis was a tubular frame, suspended on quarter-elliptical leaf springs all round.
An interesting feature of many early Riley cars was the company's patented design for detachable wire wheels. Edwardian motorists were wary of this invention, believing that the wheels would fall off. In an era where punctures were almost a daily occurrence, sense eventually prevailed and Riley built up a flourishing subsidiary business supplying many of their competitors with detachable wire wheels.
One of these little Rileys made the fastest time of day in 9 hill-climbs in 1907, and was driven by Victor Riley. The V-twin engine was very versatile, powering the company's own cars and tri-cars, as well as rail cars, special terrain-going vehicles for India and even a two-ton truck.
Engine: V2cyl. 1035cc. Top speed: 25mph (40kph). Power: 12bhp. Coachwork: two-seater tourer. Price new: £168. Registration mark: YU 4031.

1907 Riley 9hp V-Twin, YU 4031

Image taken at British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire, on 9th November, 2024.
DVLA records show the vehicle was registered on 1st February 1983.
1034cc petrol engine.

The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
This was Riley's first production car, produced between 1905 and 1910/ The gearbox and a V-twin engine were positioned under the seat and there was chain drive to the rear axle. The chassis was a tubular frame, suspended on quarter-elliptical leaf springs all round.
An interesting feature of many early Riley cars was the company's patented design for detachable wire wheels. Edwardian motorists were wary of this invention, believing that the wheels would fall off. In an era where punctures were almost a daily occurrence, sense eventually prevailed and Riley built up a flourishing subsidiary business supplying many of their competitors with detachable wire wheels.
One of these little Rileys made the fastest time of day in 9 hill-climbs in 1907, and was driven by Victor Riley. The V-twin engine was very versatile, powering the company's own cars and tri-cars, as well as rail cars, special terrain-going vehicles for India and even a two-ton truck.
Engine: V2cyl. 1035cc. Top speed: 25mph (40kph). Power: 12bhp. Coachwork: two-seater tourer. Price new: £168. Registration mark: YU 4031.

1907 Riley 9hp V-Twin, YU 4031

Image taken at British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire, on 9th November, 2024.
DVLA records show the vehicle was registered on 1st February 1983.
1034cc petrol engine.

The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
This was Riley's first production car, produced between 1905 and 1910/ The gearbox and a V-twin engine were positioned under the seat and there was chain drive to the rear axle. The chassis was a tubular frame, suspended on quarter-elliptical leaf springs all round.
An interesting feature of many early Riley cars was the company's patented design for detachable wire wheels. Edwardian motorists were wary of this invention, believing that the wheels would fall off. In an era where punctures were almost a daily occurrence, sense eventually prevailed and Riley built up a flourishing subsidiary business supplying many of their competitors with detachable wire wheels.
One of these little Rileys made the fastest time of day in 9 hill-climbs in 1907, and was driven by Victor Riley. The V-twin engine was very versatile, powering the company's own cars and tri-cars, as well as rail cars, special terrain-going vehicles for India and even a two-ton truck.
Engine: V2cyl. 1035cc. Top speed: 25mph (40kph). Power: 12bhp. Coachwork: two-seater tourer. Price new: £168. Registration mark: YU 4031.

1909 Riley 10hp, AB 1390

Image taken at British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire, on 9th August, 2024.
DVLA records show the vehicle was registered on 1st February, 1953.
1390cc petrol engine.

The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
The 10ho of 1907 was Riley's first model with the engine positioned at the front of the car. The engine was a V-twin, with the two cylinders set at an angle of 90 degrees. The chassis was conventional, with semi-elliptic springs providing the suspension.
The distinctive oval radiator, which can be seen on this car, was a Riley trademark for a number of years before the more famous diamond badge was introduced. It is sometimes known as a 'barrel-nosed' model because of the distinctive shape of the radiator and bonnet.
The 10hp was only offered in two-seater form but a glamorous alternative to this standard model was the rakish, low-built 'semi-racing' or 'speed' model. Both the V-twin Riley models continued in production until 1914. they were due to be replaced by four cylinder cars but these had barely gone into construction when all civilian motor vehicle manufacture was interrupted by the demands of World War One.
Engine: V2 cyl. 1390cc. Top speed: 42mph (68kph). Power: 12bhp. Coachwork: two-seater tourer. Price new: £200. Registration mark: AB 1390.

1909 Riley 10hp, AB 1390

Image taken at British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire, on 9th August, 2024.
DVLA records show the vehicle was registered on 1st February, 1953.
1390cc petrol engine.

The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
The 10ho of 1907 was Riley's first model with the engine positioned at the front of the car. The engine was a V-twin, with the two cylinders set at an angle of 90 degrees. The chassis was conventional, with semi-elliptic springs providing the suspension.
The distinctive oval radiator, which can be seen on this car, was a Riley trademark for a number of years before the more famous diamond badge was introduced. It is sometimes known as a 'barrel-nosed' model because of the distinctive shape of the radiator and bonnet.
The 10hp was only offered in two-seater form but a glamorous alternative to this standard model was the rakish, low-built 'semi-racing' or 'speed' model. Both the V-twin Riley models continued in production until 1914. they were due to be replaced by four cylinder cars but these had barely gone into construction when all civilian motor vehicle manufacture was interrupted by the demands of World War One.
Engine: V2 cyl. 1390cc. Top speed: 42mph (68kph). Power: 12bhp. Coachwork: two-seater tourer. Price new: £200. Registration mark: AB 1390.

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1910

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1920

1928 Riley Tourer, 896 FCV

Image taken at Classic Cars on the Green, Bearsted on 23rd July, 2023.
DVLA records show the vehicle as registered 16th November, 1959.
988cc petrol engine.

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1930

1930 Riley 9, WD 434

Image taken at Woodchurch Stream Rally, Kent, on 4th August 2024.
Vehicle first registered 9th April, 1930.
1056cc petrol engine.

1933 Riley Nine Kestrel, APJ 564

Image taken at British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire, on 9th August, 2024.
Vehicle first registered on 28th September, 1933.
1089cc petrol engine.

The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
The Riley Nine was introduced in 1926 and immediately became a benchmark in the light car class. Its all-new engine featured the 'PR' (after Percy Riley, the designer) cylinder head.
The hallmark of this design was the hemispherical combustion chambers with overhead valves in a 90 degree V formation.
The nine had excellent performance for its size and was available with a range of sports sports saloons and open bodies. The Nine continued in production until 1938 and, with more than 31,000 made, was the most popular Riley model of the pre-war period.
This Riley Kestrel sports saloon belonged to an RAF Wing Commander. During the Second World War, he laid it up whilst he did his service. The car was put up for sale in 1953 and purchased by Chris Goodall. Miss Goodall not only used the Riley as her everyday transport but travelled widely with the car, becoming a very familiar face at Riley events all over Britain. The car was always driven to events, never delivered on a trailer.
The car is largely unspoilt, retaining many original features and accompanied by a wealth of documents relating to its history. After Miss Goodall's death, the car was kindly donated to the Trust by her travelling companion and 'co-driver', Miss Hilda Merlane.
Engine: 4 cyl. 1089cc. Top speed: 66mph (106kph). Power: 42bhp. Coachwork: 4-door sports saloon. Price new: £308. Registration mark: APJ 564.

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1940

1947 Riley RM, HYC 500

Image taken at the NEC Classic Motor Show on 9th November 2024.
Vehicle first registered on 26th February 1947.
1798cc petrol engine.

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1950

1950 Riley Roadster (RMC), KOF 850

Image taken at the NEC Classic Motor Show on 9th November 2024.
Vehicle first registered on 10th March 1950.
2443cc petrol engine.

The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Produced 1940 to 1951. Total production 507.
Price new £958 plus £266.17s. 2d purchase tax (January 1949)
Engine 4cyl twin underhead (high) camshaft 2443cc
100bhp @ 4,500rpm Top speed 98.0mph
0 to 60 19.0 sec. Fuel consumption 20 to 24 mpg
History
Little is known of this vehicle prior to 1970 when it was exported to Canada. Suffering engine failure in 1972 it then stood awaiting repair for 30 years.
In 2002 it was reimported to the UK and entrusted to a professional restoration company where a full nut and bolt ground up restoration commenced.
The restoration completed, the vehicle was returned to the road in 2005. It has since completed many thousands of miles proving to be very reliable and usable in today's modern driving conditions.
It continues to turn heads wherever it goes and gives the occupants great pleasure.

1950 Riley Roadster (RMC), KOF 850

Image taken at the NEC Classic Motor Show on 9th November 2024.
Vehicle first registered on 10th March 1950.
2443cc petrol engine.

The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Produced 1940 to 1951. Total production 507.
Price new £958 plus £266.17s. 2d purchase tax (January 1949)
Engine 4cyl twin underhead (high) camshaft 2443cc
100bhp @ 4,500rpm Top speed 98.0mph
0 to 60 19.0 sec. Fuel consumption 20 to 24 mpg
History
Little is known of this vehicle prior to 1970 when it was exported to Canada. Suffering engine failure in 1972 it then stood awaiting repair for 30 years.
In 2002 it was reimported to the UK and entrusted to a professional restoration company where a full nut and bolt ground up restoration commenced.
The restoration completed, the vehicle was returned to the road in 2005. It has since completed many thousands of miles proving to be very reliable and usable in today's modern driving conditions.
It continues to turn heads wherever it goes and gives the occupants great pleasure.

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1960

1961 Riley 1.5, 48 SRA

Image taken at Warwickshire Classic & Performance Motor Show on 11th August, 2024.
Vehicle first registered on 1st August 1961.
1489cc petrol engine.

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