Riley 1.5

Originally conceived and developed as Morris Minor replacements, BMC launched a pair of new mid-sized saloons in 1957, the Wolseley 1500 and the Riley 1.5. The two cars looked very similar, although each had its own distinctive, upright front grille. The Wolseley was slightly cheaper and not as luxurious as the faster Riley version.

Standard equipment for this small luxury saloon included leather seats, wood trim, two-tone paint schemes and a rev counter. The Riley 1.5 used a 62bhp, 1489cc B-Series engine which, driving through a MGA type gearbox, giving good performance and producing a sports saloon feel. Although not successful in high profile sporting events the Riley 1.5 was raced in saloon car championships throughout the fifties and sixties.