Riley One-Point-Five

Riley One-Point-Five Wolseley 1500
1965 Riley One-Point-Five Saloon
Overview
Manufacturer	BMC
Production	1957-1965 39,568 (Riley) 103,394 (Wolseley)
Assembly	United Kingdom Victoria Park, Australia (Wolseley only)
Body and chassis
Class	Compact executive 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 are automobiles which were produced by Riley and Wolseley respectively from 1957 to 1965. They utilised the Morris Minor floorpan, suspension and steering but were fitted with the larger 1489 cc B-Series engine and MG Magnette gearbox. The two models 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 1957 and the Riley was launched in November, directly after the 1957 London Motor Show.

The Series II was released 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 Series III was introduced in October 1961, featuring revisions to the grille and rear lights.

In October 1962 the cars 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.

1961 Wolseley 1500 Saloon

1959 Riley One-Point-Five

The One-Point-Five and its 1500 sibling had a number of differences, with the Wolseley generally being the less well-equipped model:

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.

BMC Australia produced the Wolseley 1500 in Australia from 1958. It was built alongside BMC Australia's own versions of this design, the Morris Major and Austin Lancer. The Major and Lancer were less luxurious and had many notable differences from the Wolseley. The 1500 was discontinued in 1959 and substantially revised "Series 2" models of the Major and Lancer were released in the same year. In 1962 the Lancer and Major were replaced by the Morris Major Elite which was powered by a 1622cc engine.