Riley 12

Riley 12hp
six-light saloon
registered May 1939
Overview
ManufacturerRiley (Coventry) Limited
Production1939-1940
Body and chassis
Body style
  • 6-light saloon
  • 2-door drophead coupé
  • chassis only
LayoutFR layout
RelatedWolseley 12-48
Powertrain
Engine1496 cm3 Sprite engine £25 extra
Transmission4 speed synchromesh (except on 1st) and torque tube
Dimensions
Wheelbase
  • 2,743.2 mm (108 in)
  • track 1,308.1 mm (51.5 in)
Length4,343.4 mm (171 in)
Width1,600.2 mm (63 in)
Kerb weight1,219 kg (2,688 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorRiley 1½-litre
SuccessorRiley RMA
Riley 12 engine
Layout
ConfigurationStraight 4-cylinder
Displacement1,496 cc (91.3 cu in)
Cylinder bore69 mm (2.72 in)
Piston stroke100 mm (3.94 in)
Cylinder block materialcast iron mounted on rubber cushions
Valvetrainoverhead valves set at 90 degrees operated by twin camshafts
Combustion
Fuel systemSU carburetter
Cooling systemwater by pump and thermostat
Output
Power output
  • 51 bhp (38 kW; 52 PS) @4800 rpm
  • Tax horsepower 11.81

The Riley 12 was a medium-sized premium priced saloon or drophead coupé (also available as a bare chassis) which was available from mid 1939 though it was not announced by The Motor magazine as a new car until July 1939. Production ended in 1940 and the model was not revived after the war.