Riley

Year of foundation 1898-1969

The history of the British automobile manufacturer Riley is a fascinating journey through the evolution of the automotive industry, characterized by innovation, racing success, and, ultimately, absorption into larger conglomerates.

The Origins: From Bicycles to Motorcycles
It all began in 1890, when William Riley Jr., a textile manufacturer from Coventry, purchased the Bonnick Cycle Company, a bicycle manufacturer. In 1896, the company was renamed The Riley Cycle Company Limited. His sons, especially Percy, soon showed a keen interest in motor vehicles.

Despite his father's initial opposition, Percy Riley, at just 16 years old, built his first automobile in 1898. This car, though experimental, featured a major innovation: the first mechanically operated intake valve, a technology that would become fundamental to Riley engines.

In 1903, three of the Riley brothers founded a separate company, the Riley Engine Company, to produce engines for the motorcycles and three-wheelers they were beginning to build. The first actual Riley automobile, a prototype called the "Vee-Twin Tourer," was produced in 1905. The following year, the company expanded, and William Riley, overcoming his initial resistance, decided to focus on automobile production, discontinuing motorcycle production in 1907.

The Golden Age and Technical Innovation
The 1910s and 1920s were a period of great growth and innovation for Riley. In 1912, the Riley Cycle Company focused on the production of detachable spoked wheels, an invention patented by Percy Riley that became so popular that it was used by over 180 other automobile manufacturers.

In 1913, the Riley Motor Manufacturing Company was founded to produce complete automobiles. The first successful model was the "17/30," presented at the London Motor Show. After the First World War, the company launched the 11 hp model, which was the first to sport the famous V-grille and diamond-shaped logo.

The real turning point came in 1926 with the launch of the Riley Nine. This car, with its advanced 1,087 cc twin-cam engine and hemispherical head, became the company's flagship model. The Riley Nine's engine design became the basis for all Riley engines until the BMC era in the 1950s.

The Riley Nine was enormously successful, not only for its engineering but also for its racing successes. Riley cars distinguished themselves in races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the RAC Tourist Cup, and various Grand Prix races, earning a reputation for their performance and reliability.

Decline and Absorption
Despite its successes, the company ran into financial difficulties. In 1938, Riley entered administration and was purchased by William Morris, who incorporated it into his Nuffield Organization. This marked the end of Riley's independence.

After the Second World War, Riley continued to produce distinctive models. The "RM" series cars, such as the Riley RMA and RMD, were known for their traditional styling and performance. However, production was gradually rationalized. In 1948, production moved from Coventry to the MG plant in Abingdon.

Riley's absorption by the Nuffield Organization, which merged with Austin to form the British Motor Corporation (BMC) in 1952, led to the loss of the brand's unique identity. Subsequent models were essentially badge-engineered versions of other BMC cars, such as the Riley One-Point-Five (based on the Wolseley 1500) or the Riley Elf (a version of the Mini). These cars, while good quality, lacked the originality and engineering that had characterized earlier Rileys.

Production under the Riley brand ceased permanently in 1969, when BMC merged with the British Leyland Motor Corporation. The Riley name was retired, marking the end of one of Britain's most innovative and respected car manufacturers. Although the name has occasionally been resurrected for concept cars or special projects, the Riley as it was known is no more, but its legacy of engineering and racing excellence lives on among classic car enthusiasts.