Sold | 1950 Riley RMB (2.5 litre)

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£17,360

1950 Riley RMB (2.5 litre)

United Kingdom • 8 Apr 2023 • Lot 138

Vehicle Details

AI Listing Summary

This 1950 Riley RMB was bought new with the express intention of competing in the 1951 Monte Carlo Rally. It features special modifications for the race, an extremely rare factory-fitted sunroof, and has undergone a full restoration to a high standard. The car is in excellent condition with a well-documented history and is ready to be shown or driven.

Condition

8

The car has undergone a full restoration, with excellent paintwork, great brightwork, and a gorgeous red leather interior. While retaining much of its original patina, the underside looks equally good, and it's fitted with a stainless exhaust and a full one-year MoT test certificate.

/ 10

Transmission:

[Transmission]

Chassis No:

605.7128

Odometer:

45,292 miles

Reg Number:

GWN 646

RHD/LHD:

RHD

The Monte Carlo rally must surely represent the golden age of intercontinental motor sport.

Not only did it host a whole range of teams that took part but the conditions varied enormously from hot coastal weather to driving snow in the mountains.

The Riley RMB was a useful tool for the job as it combines fixedhead motoring and powerful 2.5 litre engine.

The 'Big-Four' as it was known, with twin camshafts mounted high at the sides of the cylinder block, hemispherical combustion chambers and twin SU carbs meant that the engine was rated at 100bhp giving the big saloon a top speed of just shy of the magic ton.

This extremely well-presented RMB was bought new by Arthur Bassett of Swansea in October 1950 with the express intention of competing in the following year’s RAC Monte Carlo Rally, as shown in press cuttings on file.

It duly did, finishing a creditable 236 out of 342 or 54% up the field.

It also maintains a number of special features built specifically for the race including l...