Riley 'Six'.
The BMC 'Landcrab' range was launched in 1964, using the 1798cc version of the B series engine. Designated as the '1800', it was initially only sold as a Austin or Morris. However, greater things were planned for this model and in 1972 the Wolesley Six Cylinder model was launched, soon to be followed by Austin / Morris '2200' Sixes as well. However, the original plan had also seen VDP and Riley versions of the six cylinder model, with styling mock ups of each produced.
Indeed, the mock up as seen above was apparently created right back in 1962, perhaps suggesting that a four cylinder model would have arrived first, although the quad headlights suggest a more up-market position than the 1798cc B series would have offered.
However, the model was shelved, the six cylinder models weren't launched until after Riley had been killed off, and what might have been the marques saviour sank without trace.
The reasons for not progressing seem to be that the body design and mechanicals could not, in the early 60s, be tuned to suit a Riley market, there was never any suggestion of producing an MG version for instance. By the time that the E6 engine was being developed for the range, the Riley marque was already being run down, with new owners BL seeing it as competing too closely with their own Rover and Triumph brands.
ENGINE2227cc 6 cyl OHCBore 76.2mm Stroke 81.3mm bhp at rpm Compression Ratio Carburation SU |
TRANSMISSIONOverall gear ratios.1st 2nd 3rd 4th Reverse |
SUSPENSIONIndependent Hydrolastic all round |
BRAKES |
PERFORMANCE0-60mph 13.1secsStanding ¼mile secs Top Speed 105mph Fuel Consumption mpg |
DIMENSIONSWheelbase (aprx mm)Track (aprx mm) Length (aprx mm) Width (aprx mm) Tyres Weight cwt Fuel Tank galls |
PRICE | |