RILEY - RM SPECIFICATIONS

as Old as the Industry, as modern as the Hour
Featuring: Brief History; Colour Schemes.

Brief History

 The RM Rileys history really started in 1934, when the 12/4 engine was launched, then in 1937 The 16/4 was also launched. These were to be the only two powerplants used after WW2, although in a more refined manner.
In 1937, the 'Continental' Body was launched on the 12/4 chassis. This was a close-coupled 4-seater saloon, with moderate sized boot (for the period), and later made available on the Big Four chassis as well. The Similarities between this body and the RM Saloons is quite remarkable, especially when you consider the influence Nuffield then had on the company.

The RMA was launched in late 1945, and joined the following Spring by the 2˝ litre (Big Four) RMB. 1948 saw the introduction of the RMC (3-abreast roadster) and RMD (Drophead). Both were powered by the larger engine, although a significant number of 1˝ litre Dropheads seem to have been built, from as early as 1946! In 1951 the open cars were dropped, and the following year the saloons were updated as the RME and RMF. In 1953 the RMF was replaced by the (RMH) Pathfinder, and the RME was possibly due to be replaced by an RMG model. However, this did not materialise, and so continued until 1955 when it was discontinued without replacement. The Pathfinder continued until 1957.

Colour Schemes.

The First colour is that of the Main Car while Upholstery colours are in brackets. From Late 1946 Two-tone colours available at extra charge. This normally involved Black wings, but other standard colours could also be specified, as well as non-standard colours, at a cost!
1945 to 1947
Black, Maroon, Green, Ivory. Also some two tone from late 1946.
All came with 'Matching' Upholstery!
1948 -
Black (Red, Green, Brown, Beige), Maroon (Red), Green (Green or Beige), Ivory (Red, Green, Brown). All available with Black Wings.
RMD also: Scarlet, Light Green or Ming Blue (All Beige).
July 1949
Saloons and RMD: Black (Maroon, Green, Beige or Brown), Autumn Red (Beige or Maroon), Almond Green (Beige or Green), Sun Bronze (Maroon).
RMC: Black (Maroon, Green or beige), Clipper Blue or Almond Green (Beige), Red (Beige or Red), Ivory (Red or Green).
September 1951
Saloons only: Black (Beige, Maroon, Brown or Green), Autumn Red (Beige or Maroon).
Metallichrome Almond Green (Beige or Green), Grey (Maroon).
1953 Season
As above except Almond Green now Woodland Green, Grey now Silver Streak Grey (Red).
1954 Season
RME & Pathfinder: Black (Maroon, Green, Biscuit), Green (Green or Biscuit), Maroon (Maroon or Biscuit), Blue (Grey).
RME: Grey (Rust, Maroon, Green), Ivory (Rust or Maroon) After December 1954, Interiors Maroon only.
Pathfinder: Grey (Grey or Maroon).
September 1956
Pathfinder only: As above except Green now Connaught Green, Grey (Grey or Biscuit).
December 1956
From December 1956, Doutone colours were offered on the Pathfinder. This also meant that the carpets were available in different colours to the upholstery!
Above the waist:

Swiss Grey
Rose Taupe
Blue
Black
Charcoal Grey
Kashmir Beige
Cedar Green
Maroon

Below the waist:

Charcoal Grey
Kashmir Beige
Steel-Grey Blue
As Top Half.

Upholstery:

Grey or Maroon
Maroon or Biscuit
Grey
Green, Bisc., Mrn.
Grey or Maroon
Maroon or Bisc.
Biscuit
Maroon or Bisc.

Carpet:

Maroon
Maroon or Brown
Blue
Green, Brn, Mrn.
Maroon
Maroon or Brown
Green
Maroon or Brown