1948 Riley 2.5 Litre RMC Roadster

As a result of the British Government's 'Export or die' policy, Riley Motors designed the 100 horsepower RMC 2.5 liter open Sports three-seater. It was later simply known as the Roadster and it had been designed with Americans in mind. Of the 474 Roadsters produced, only 50 crossed the Atlantic, with 11 of those bound for Canada. Modifications crafted with American needs in mind included a larger boot, a huge 20-gallon gas tank, wrap-around bumpers, and four over-riders. The Autocar original road test commented that the car 'Sits firm and square on the road, takes corners on an even keel even when high speeds are being held.' Road tests revealed a 0-60 acceleration time of 19 seconds and a top speed of 94 MPH, just a bit shy of the 100 MPH claimed in sales literature. The Roadster was considered a marketing failure, as the car had been made to fit what was thought to be the desires of the American middle class.