Specification
Vehicle: Riley RME slatside
Date: 1954
Engine: 1500cc twin cam hemi
Specifications: 4 door, saloon, black
Original condition: tatty but roadworthy
Project: Jun-Oct 2004
History of this car
This Riley RME was one of the last ones off the production line and was originally owned by Mr Riley himself. It was bought by the present owner some 30 years ago and is still in daily use.
For more information see the wikipedia entry for Riley motor vehicles
Riley badge
Riley after black spray
The body shell was resprayed in the owner's garden.
Riley after undercoat
This is the body after the undercoat has been sprayed
Riley at car show
Even the interior on this car is original. Many hours were spent feeding the leather to its original suppleness
The car is an absolute joy to drive.
Riley nearside front wing
The standard of paint finish shown here can only be achieved using cellulose paint and hard work
Riley with boat on trailer
The car was entered into the Amberley Museum Summer Picnic car show in 2005. We aged the trailer to match the car, adding a hidden towbar. The chrome on this car, apart from the front bumper overriders is all original.
Riley restoration of wooden chassis
Although built on a substantial steel chassis, all the bodywork is built onto a wooden frame. This was replaced with fifty year old American oak. Many of the shaped wooden panels were purchased from the Riley owner's club.