Single Carb One Point Five?

[Harris]

Ollie Leston

Email:
[e-mail]

Subject:
Riley 1.5 details

Message:
Hi,

I have found a Riley 1.5 that I am keen on and I was wondering of you
could possibly conform something for me please? The car in question
has a Riley 1.5 front end but the engine has a single su carb on it. I
have had a look online and I can't see anywhere that that anyone
produced a Riley with a single SU.

The things I like help clearing up are thus. Were there any single SU
riley 1.5s (I am aware of the Wolseley 1500 and the single SU on
that)? And is it possible to fit a riley front panel and grille to a
Wolseley in order for it to look like a Riley. I would find it odd for
someone to down tune a Riley 1.5 to single SU but not that odd if
someone wanted to make a Wolseley look like a Riley.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards

[2robert4]

I think the problem can be resolved by looking at the engine number and suspect that either the original engine expired and Wolseley engine was substituted or historically some previous owner has decided to make his Wolseley more upmarket by replacing the front end (Which is only bolt on after all) with a Riley one and by replacing the dashboard,number plate plinth and reverse light switch with a Riley one. I do remember seeing just such a conversion in the mid 1970's when there were plenty of vehicles available in scrap yards to enable this.

[Harris]

Here's the eBay link :-
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Riley-/174092879996

[Harris]

Definitely looks like the Wolseley 1500 engine to me...

[canuck]

Ummm?

That is one sorry looking car. 

FWIW the dash and interior door trim are definitely Riley. In the photo of the engine bay, the master brake cylinder shows a correct Girling™ model, Riley OE. The Wolseley 1500 was fitted with Lockheed™ brakes.

My guess is;
this car started life as a Riley and either suffered the indignity of a Wolseley engine swap or simply a single, (Wolseley kit)  carburetor fitted. Neither flattering or a good idea!  

B