The British motor industry has produced some of the most iconic brands in world automotive history. Some of these have become household names such as Rolls Royce and Jaguar. Some have shone brightly before disappearing into the ether. Riley Cars were just such a firm. This particular Riley is for sale here on eBay by a dealer. Located in Williston, Florida, this car is offered for sale with a clear title. With 5 days remaining on the auction, bidding has reached $1,225 but the reserve hasn’t been met. I suspect that there may be a fair way to go before that happens, as you will see later on.
The seller describes this as a 1951 Riley 120. This was a model designation that I hadn’t heard of before as it’s more commonly referred to as the Riley RMB. This particular car looks to be in basically good condition overall. The seller describes this as a rust-free California car that has been stored inside since 1984. The seller states that only apparent defect in the body panels is this dent on the rear fender. However, even a cursory glance through the photos reveals another dent on the rear of the car, just to the right of the trunk lid.
This model was the second to be released by Riley following the end of World War II. The construction of these was quite interesting. The chassis frame was steel as you would expect. The frame for the body is actually constructed of ash, much as the Morgan is to this day. There is no mention of the state of the frame in the ad, but if they were treated correctly they were quite robust. The other external issue that will need to be addressed is the replacement of the vinyl top, as you can see in this shot.
Under the hood is the Riley 4 cylinder engine. The displacement was 2.5 liters and was capable of propelling the car to a top speed of 95mph. Rather frustratingly the seller provides absolutely no indication of whether this little Riley actually runs, or of the state of the rest of the drive-train.
The interior is something of a mixed bag. The seat upholstery and door cards appear to be in relatively good order, although it does appear that the material on the driver’s door card may have come unglued at the bottom. Looking at the timber on both the dash and the door trims indicates that all could benefit from refurbishment if this Riley is to be returned to anything closely resembling pristine condition.
So now I’ll throw you a curve-ball. As I said, the price is sitting at $1,225 but the reserve hasn’t been met. Well, I went for a bit of a search and found it listed here on the dealer’s own site. The asking price there is $32,500. Is it worth the money? I think that there is a real possibility that it is, in spite of all of the issues. An extensive search has failed to locate another one for sale at present in the USA. Couple that with the fact that only 145 left-hand drive RMBs were built in 1951 for all export markets and suddenly it starts to make some sense.
Ive been to British car shows all over the country and seen maybe 10 Rileys, maybe 6 or 8 of those at Indianapolis British show a few years ago featuring Riley and the other couple at the Nashville Tenn. annual show where 1 man owns maybe 4 and I heard he is restoring a 4 seat convertible that he has driven to the show many times, the general opinion has been that they are not worth restoring for the most part because of the low value after its complete. This car seems really high to me but what do I know lol
Ronald, that would be Mike Long, who owns those Rileys. The four-seat convertible has a pre-selecter transmission that is a sight to behold. He and the rest of us will be out in force again at the Nashville show October 13th. Hope to see you there!
This was previously listed on ebay in April with a Buy-it-now of US$32,500
https://www.ebay.com/itm/183186549784, and again a week ago with a Buy-it-now of US$16,500 https://www.ebay.com/itm/183347892367
It’ll be interesting to see how high the bidding goes in this latest listing in auction format.
$32.5k? Not even if this Riley had been owned by William Bendix, the star of “The Life of Riley”!! Maybe for a pristine one in the UK.
I really like these Rileys. They are rare in the US, true, but they aren’t hard to find in the U.K. and $32K will get a really nice one.
This appears to be a solid car, but the prehistoric body construction can hide rotten wood, and that “vinyl top” is way more complex than a fabric skin glued onto a sheet metal roof.
At an asking price of $10K I think this car would be priced about right.
I wouldn’t worry too much about frame rust as the undercarriage will most likely have been coated with oil over the years. We English have a saying “If it’s not leaking, then it’s got no oil in it!” (Especially their motorcycles)
I was GIVEN one of these years ago,and then scrapped it.At $32,500 he’s having a laugh?
This is a California rust free car, My big ol Butt. Did he not see the roof? I saw the roof, did ya’ll see the roof? It is rusty as all get out. Come on. Seriously?
@Pete. I think that what you are suspecting to be rust on the roof is actually the residue glue that was used to affix the vinyl roof back when it was made, whereas the left rear fender shows definite rust.
The bid is up to 35, hundred I just looked so there are people interested, but top dollar only the buyer will know if he got a good deal or not!
I LOVE the look of this car. It screams British, with all the British eccentricities. However, I agree with the person that said that $10K is much more realistic–assuming the wood is good. I went to the website and they are offering to finance at 12%. What decade are they living in?
Hagerty lists this car at $4m in number 4 condition. Which is where I suspect this car to be at. Number 1 condition is listed at $17.5m.
I restored a 53 RMF that was a bit rougher than this, so I know a little bit about the breed. For $32K you could buy the finest, concours ready, fresh restoration anywhere. And have enough left over for a pretty nice Miata.
But I suppose it doesn’t hurt to ask! :)
Why not move on up to my Wolseley 6/99? And while we dream, you can have it for half the $32K! LOL
I have a old Dinky toy of this exact car, down to the green and chipped paint. Love their style but unfortunately do not garner the kind of monetary attention that the Coventry, Rootes and British Leyland cars do.