1948 Riley RMA 1 1/2 Liter SaloonVIN: 5538--All original, extremely rare stateside Riley 1 1/2 Liter Saloon--Sold as-is--Mechanically sound--1.5 L four-cylinder engine--Very fascinating and extensive documented history--Rare Riley workshop manual included--California car--Original Riley tools includedMotoeXotica Classic Cars is offering this rarely seen solid California, left-hand drive 1948 Riley RMA 1 1/2 Liter saloon you see before you. This car is being sold as is, and while the exterior and interior shows wear for a 65-year old vehicle, it runs great and is mechanically sound with a patina that looks like fine art. The history behind this vehicle is well-documented and extremely fascinating with decades of correspondence between other Riley owners, Riley Motor Club of the United Kingdom and Riley Motor Company.The Riley RM series was considered to be the best British car company behind Jaguar in the late '40s. This Riley is part of the last year these cars were manufactured in Coventry, England.The RMA was the first post-war Riley. It used the 1.5 L engine and was equipped with hydro-mechanical brakes and an independent suspension using torsion bars in front. The frame was made of wood in the English tradition, and the car featured traditional styling. The car was capable of reaching 75 mph. The RMA was produced from 1945 until 1952 when it was replaced by the RME.The '48 RMA you pictured is original but shows a marvelous patina in both the interior and on the exterior. The body still holds up though even after 65 years, though we will note that the wipers need help and the horn and brake signals are inoperable. The original British Racing Green paint and black vinyl exterior show wear but still retain their rich color. The dash is in decent condition; the original leather is pretty far gone. We would refresh the interior, and with some TLC, this Riley can once again reclaim its glory, but to restate, this car you see before you is not perfect and is being sold as-is. Currently this car runs very well and the three-speed manual transmission shifts nice and smooth.From the documentation included with the car, this car was imported from British Automobile Centre Ltd. to British Columbia in the early '50s. The original invoice to Port Angeles, Wash., to a Robert Bangs of Oregon on Aug. 19, 1954 is also included. From the items found, it appears Mr. Bangs owned this car from '54 to about '85 and was very obsessive with keeping all records, club documentation and correspondence of his entire ownership experience. With the rich history of this car, it would make a stunning example for a worthy restoration with a very rare British saloon that could turn this car into a serious investment!It is a true California barn find with a British personality unlike any other out there. Mileage currently reads 75,059, VIN is 5538, and it is being sold on a clear California title. GET OUT AND DRIVE!