History
William Riley, the founder of the Riley Cycle Company, was not so keen focussing on making automobiles. In fact one of his sons Percy was the most inspiring of them all. He formed a separate company next to the business from William, the Riley Engine Company in 1903, building and supplying engines for Riley motorcycles and to Singer. However William Riley focused on making wire-spoked wheels, detachable wheels also invented by Percy Riley. To concentrate on this fast growing business, William Riley decided to stop developing motor-bicycle and automobile business. In 1913 Percey and his brothers Victor, Stanley and Allan concentrated on manufacturing entire automobiles. The first new model, the Riley 17/30 was introduced that year. After WW1 Riley grew rapidly. The Riley Engine Company produces 4-, 6- and 8-cilinder engines. Allan Riley, owner of Midland Motor Bodies, built more than a dozen different bodies. The production of the innovative Riley 9 engine in 1926, also designed by Percey Riley, made a big impact on the Riley company. The Riley Brooklands (9-Speed model) and the later Imp, MPH and Sprite, proved to be a very succesful car at Le Mans, the Ulster TT and at Brooklands. In 1934 Riley finished 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th and 12th, winning two class awards and the Ladies Prize. For series production, the engine range was extended into a 12 HP 6-cilinder and a V8 version, powering a very big range of touring and sports cars. However Riley suffered from the same disease as most of the British car manufacturers; too many models and not enough profitable sales and in 1936 Riley merged with Jaguar.
PRE-WAR PRODUCTION MODELS
- 1907 – 1911: 9
- 1907 – 1907: 12
- 1909 – 1914: 10
- 1908 – 1914: 12/18
- 1915 – 1916: 10
- 1913 – 1922: 17/30
- 1919 – 1924: Eleven
- 1925 – 1928: Twelve
- 1926 – 1937: Nine
- 1927 – 1931: Brooklands
- 1928 – 1937: Six
- 1929 – 1934: 14/6
- 1933 – 1935: 12/6
- 1934 – 1935: Imp
- 1934 – 1935: MPH
- 1935 – 1938: 15/6
- 1935 – 1938: 1.5 Ltr.
- 1936 – 1938: Sprite
- 1936 – 1938: 8/90
- 1937 – 1938: Big Four
- 1938 – 1938: Victor
- 1939 – 1940: 12
- 1939 – 1940: 16