Motor Industry, Coventry: Riley
Company Profile
Like many of the early motor car companies Riley originated from a bicycle manufacturing company. The Bonnick cycle company, acquired by William Riley in 1890, was renamed in 1896 and the Riley marque was born. It was not however until 1905 that the first real Riley cars were produced. The Riley Motor Manufacturing Company, as it came to be known, continued producing a range of popular saloon and sports cars over the next three decades.
However by the late 1930's the company began to flounder and in 1938 Riley was purchased by Lord Nuffield (William Morris). The marque continued to live on with a number of badge-engineered models (including even a Mini) until it's last use in 1969.
Picture Gallery (Click on the photos for larger images)
 Riley Ascot (1933) |
 Riley RME 1½litre (1953) |
More Information
All photographs © Costa Maoudis 1996
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