Riley RMA/E Drophead. (1946-52)

Within a year of the launch of the RMA 1½ Litre Saloon, open top versions started to appear. It is known that the factory produced some examples, using the same body that later created the RMD. Incidentally, there was at least one RMB Drophead produced in 1946 as well. Precise numbers are impossible, with guesses ranging from 2 to 12 1½ Litre Dropheads produced by Riley themselves.
The last of these models appears to have been on the uprated RME chassis, and most of the coachbuilt drophead bodies also appear to use this chassis, possibly following the demise of the RMD. There is a surprisingly high survival rate, although few seem to retain any evidence of exactly who built the bodies, or indeed, when!

ENGINE

High camshafts and push-rod 90-deg ohv
1496cc 4cyl ohv
Compression ratio 6.8:1
Bore 69mm Stroke 100mm
54bhp at 4,500rpm
Carburration H2 SU

TRANSMISSION

Four-speed gearbox, Synchro on 2nd,3rd,4th.
Overall gear ratios:
1st 20.37:1 2nd 11.73:1
3rd 7.58:1 4th 5.12:1
Reverse 20.37:1.

SUSPENSION

Independent front suspension with twin wishbones, torsion bars and hydraulic telescopic dampers.
Semi Elliptic at rear

BRAKES

Girling Hydro-mechanical.
10inch dia drums.

PERFORMANCE

0-50mph 18.6sec
Standing ¼mile 24.3secs
Max Speed 74.7mph
Fuel Consumption 26mpg

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase 9'4.5" (aprx 3850mm)
Track 4'4.5" (aprx 1320mm)
Length 14'10" (aprx 4510mm)
Width 5'2.5" (aprx 1560mm)
Height 4'9" (aprx 1420mm)
Turning Circle 30'
Tyres
Weight 24.5cwt
Fuel Tank

PRICE