Riley One-Point-Five
A punchy, leather-lined sports saloon that punched well above its weight.
- Power
- 68 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 18.9 s
- Top speed
- 83 mph
- Est. value
- $7k–$16k
About the Riley One-Point-Five
The Riley One-Point-Five was a standout product of BMC's badge-engineering era, offering significantly more performance and luxury than its Wolseley 1500 sibling. Built on a modified Morris Minor floorpan, it utilised the 1.5-litre B-Series engine from the MG Magnette, equipped with twin SU carburettors to produce a spirited 68 hp. Its compact dimensions and torsion bar front suspension made it a formidable competitor in saloon car racing and rallying during the late 1950s. Inside, the cabin was traditionally British, featuring a walnut dashboard, full instrumentation including a rev counter, and leather upholstery, earning it the reputation of a 'pocket' executive car.
Riley One-Point-Five specs
The Riley One-Point-Five produces 68 bhp (51 kW) and 112 Nm (83 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 18.9 seconds and has a top speed of 83 mph (133 km/h).
| Make | Riley |
|---|---|
| Model | One-Point-Five |
| Trim | 1.5 |
| Years | 1957–1965 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 39,568 built |
| Engine | 1.5-litre B-Series inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,489 cc (1.5 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 68 bhp (51 kW) at 5,400 rpm |
| Torque | 112 Nm (83 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 18.9 s |
| Top speed | 83 mph (133 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 940 kg (2,072 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 72 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Riley One-Point-Five worth?
A typical Riley One-Point-Five is estimated to be worth $7,000 – $16,000 (about £5,200 – £12,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Riley One-Point-Five rarity in CarSpot
The Riley One-Point-Five is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 39 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Riley One-Point-Five fun facts
- The Riley 1.5 was so much faster than the Wolseley 1500 that it required larger Girling drum brakes to handle the extra 25 percent power increase.
- Despite being based on the Morris Minor, the Riley 1.5 shared no major exterior body panels with its humble cousin.
- The car's high top-gear ratio was specifically designed to act as an overdrive, allowing for comfortable high-speed cruising at lower engine revs.