| 1965 Riley 1.5 Saloon 1961 Wolseley 1500 Saloon |
|
| Manufacturer | BMC |
|---|---|
| Production | 1957-1965 39,568 (Riley) 103,394 (Wolseley) |
| Predecessor | Riley RME/Wolseley 15/50 |
| Successor | Riley Kestrel/Wolseley 1100/1300 |
| Class | midsize car |
| Body style | 4-door saloon |
| Engine | 1489 cc L B-Series Straight-4 |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual synchromesh on top 3 ratios[1] |
| Wheelbase | 86 in (2,184 mm)[2] |
| Length | 152 in (3,861 mm))[3] |
| Width | 60.5 in (1,537 mm)[3] |
| Height | 59.5 in (1,511 mm)[3] |
| Curb weight | 2,072 lb (940 kg) |
| Related | Morris Major/Wolseley 1500/Austin Lancer |
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[4].
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 facia[4].
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, and unlike their own Australian built sibling, the Wolseley 1500 and Riley one-point-five retained the 1,489 cc engine size with which they had been launched back in 1957[4].
Production ended in 1965 with 39,568 Rileys and 103,394 Wolseleys made.[5]
BMC in Australia also produced its own versions of this design, the Morris Major and Austin Lancer (1958-64.) The Australian versions were less luxurious and had many notable differences from the Riley / Wolseley cars, also, the design was substantially revised in 1959 (see article.)
Engine:
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 (7.72 L/100 km; 30.5 mpg-US) was recorded. The test car cost £758 including taxes of £253.[3]