Description
The RMD (drophead) was a traditional 2-door cabriolet, the last cabriolet to wear the Riley name. It used the same 2.5 L 100 hp (75 kW) engine as the RMB, on which it was based. Just over 500 were produced between 1949 and 1951.
This new body was first displayed in October 1948 at London’s Earls Court Motor Show.
Understood to be delivered new to the United States in 1950, this is a LHD example. It must be recognised that Riley were a bespoke, high-end, low volume manufacturer of cars which were very expensive, and the suggestion is that this car spent the early part of its life in the exotic state of California.
The car returned to the United Kingdom in 1960. In more recent years, purchased by the father of the current vendor, who set about a comprehensive and well-documented restoration which left no stone unturned. The body was completely stripped and rebuilt, with every mechanical component and all other systems rebuilt, rewired, restored or refurbished. During the course of the restoration it was established beyond doubt that the car retains its original engine, gearbox, axle, brakes and suspension, as well as its bodywork, so is therefore an entirely authentic original machine. A charming, friendly and eminently usable early post-war stylish classic from the end of the glamour years of bespoke motoring.
