Riley Pathfinder - A Brief History

The Riley Pathfinder was introduced in 1953 as a replacement for the RMB / RMF series of cars. It had at first been tagged as the RMH but was renamed to Pathfinder before its launch. This new sleeker model, whose bodywork was shared by the Wolseley 6/90, had been designed by Gerald Palmer who was chief engineer of BMC from 1952 to 1955. This spacious saloon would accommodate up to 6 adults in comfort and the interior was well equipped and contained all the usual Riley refinement such as wood veneer fascia and leather seating.

The Pathfinder was the last Riley to use the big four cylinder twin cam unit that had been designed back in1926. With this engine now producing 110 bhp, it was powerful enough to give the Pathfinder lively, flexible performance and a top speed of around 100 mph. Not surprisingly the pathfinder was used widely by British police constabularies around the country as their preferred vehicle along with the Wolseley 6/90. 5152 Pathfinders had been produced by the time production ended in 1957 and it was then that it underwent a facelift, inherited the BMC C Series 6 cylinder 2.6 litre engine and was re-launched as the Riley Two-Point-Six.

Specifications

Years Produced

1953 - 1957

Body Type

4 door saloon

Length

15ft 3½in

Width

5ft 7in

Weight

30.5cwt

Engine

2443cc 4 cylinder inline

Power

110 bhp @ 4400 rpm

Torque

135lb ft @ 3000 rpm

Gearbox

4 speed manual , optional overdrive or automatic from 1956

Driven Wheels

Rear

Brakes

Drums front & rear, hydraulic

Front Suspension

Independent, Torsian bar & wishbone

Rear Suspension

Leaf Spring, live axle

Riley RM Club

Riley Motor Club

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