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Riley 2½ Continental. (1937-39)

1938 Riley 16/4 Continental

1938 Riley 16/4 Continental

Thanks to a legal challenge by Bentley over the use of the 'Continental' name, this model was also known as the Touring Saloon, and Close-Coupled Saloon! It was one of the more popular Big Four models (only because there was more than 1 produced!), and is a very close relative to the post-war RMB/RMF series cars.

The body was closely based on the short lived 12/4 Continental model which had been offered through 1937, before being displaced by the Touring Saloon. It was a full four seater, albeit with a little less rear passenger room than some of the other models, and despite the large trunk at the rear luggage space was limited with the rear wheel mounted in the boot.
Neverthless, with the big 4 engine, the 16/4 Continental was a fast and capable cross country tourer compared to other offerings on the market in 1938, and along with the stylish body it had the potential to be a strong seller, had the recievers not been called in in early '38.

Chassis Types 38BX, 38CX