Riley 1.5
| 1957 to 1965 | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | BMC |
| Production | 1957-1965 39,568 (Riley) 103,394 (Wolseley) |
| Assembly | United Kingdom Victoria Park, Australia |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | midsize car |
| Body style | 4-door saloon |
| Related | Morris Major Austin Lancer |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1489 cc L B-Series Straight-4 |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual synchromesh on top 3 ratios |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 86 in (2,184 mm) |
| Length | 152 in (3,861 mm)) |
| Width | 60.5 in (1,537 mm) |
| Height | 59.5 in (1,511 mm) |
| Curb weight | 2,072 lb (940 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Riley RME/Wolseley 15/50 |
| Successor | Riley Kestrel/Wolseley 1100/1300 |
The Riley One-Point-Five and similar Wolseley 1500 were motor vehicles based on the Morris Minor floorpan, suspension and steering but fitted with the larger 1489 cc B-Series engine and MG Magnette gearbox. Launched in 1957, the twins were differentiated by nearly 20 hp (15 kW), the Riley having twin SU carburettors giving it the most power at 68 hp (50 kW). The Wolseley was released in April of that year, while the Riley appeared in November, directly after the 1957 London Motor Show.
The Series II model came out in May 1960. The most notable external difference was the hidden boot and bonnet hinges. Interior storage was improved with the fitting of a full width parcel shelf directly beneath the fascia.
The Wolseley also had a Series III launched in October 1961 which featured a revised grille and rear lights.
In October 1962 the car received the more robust crank, bearing and other details of the larger 1,622 cc unit now being fitted in the Austin Cambridge and its "Farina" styled clones. Unlike the Farina models, however, the Wolseley 1500 and Riley one-point-five retained the 1,489 cc engine size with which they had been launched back in 1957.
Production ended in 1965 with 39,568 Rileys and 103,394 Wolseleys made.
Engines
- 1.2 L (1200 cc) B-Series I4, Irish Market only.
- 1.5 L (1489 cc) B-Series I4, 62 hp (46 kW)
Differences
The One-Point-Five and its 1500 sibling had a number of differences, with the Wolseley generally being the less well-equipped model:
- Engine - The Riley benefited from dual SU H4 carburettors while the Wolseley received only one.
- Exterior - The front panel and grille looks similar on both cars, but is different. The stainless trim along the side of the cars is different, as well.
- Dashboard - Both cars received wooden dashboards. While the Riley had a full complement of gauges (speedometer, tachometer, and temp/oil/fuel) placed directly in front of the driver, the Wolseley made do with only the speedometer and temp/oil/fuel gauges, which were placed in the centre of the dashboard.
- Brakes - The Riley was equipped with a larger Girling braking system, while the Wolseley received a smaller Lockheed system. The Girling brakes on the Riley One-Point-Five were often sought out by Morris Minor owners looking a way to upgrade their brakes.
Performance
In its day the Riley was successfully raced and rallied and can still be seen today in historical sporting events.
A Wolseley 1500 was tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1957. It was found to have a top speed of 76.7 mph (123.4 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 24.8 seconds. A fuel consumption of 36.6 miles per imperial gallon (7.7 L/100 km; 30.5 mpg-US) was recorded. The test car cost £758 including taxes of £253.
In Film and Television
1957 Riley One-Point-Five MkI in Dalziel and Pascoe, TV Series
Gallery
