Riley Pathfinder

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The Riley Pathfinder was a large four‑door car built by Riley Motors Limited in the United Kingdom from 1953 to 1957. It replaced Riley’s RMF as the company’s top model and is often regarded as the last proper Riley car. It was first shown at the London Motor Show in October 1953.

Engine and transmission
- Power came from a 2.443 L (about 2.5 L) twin‑cam straight‑four engine with twin SU carburetors, producing around 110 hp.
- Transmission was a four‑speed manual with an optional overdrive; a 3‑speed automatic option appeared from 1956.

Chassis, suspension and brakes
- The Pathfinder used a separate all‑steel chassis.
- Front suspension was independent with torsion bars; rear suspension started with coil springs and later used leaf springs on some cars.
- A Panhard rod helped locate the rear axle, which later contributed to the nickname “Ditchfinder” when it failed on hard cornering.
- Brakes were 12-inch drum brakes with a standard Clayton Dewandre vacuum servo.

Body and interior
- The car was a 4‑door saloon. Buyers could choose two individual front seats or a full‑width front bench seat.
- The gear lever was mounted on the floor by the driver’s door, and the handbrake sat under the dashboard.
- A heater came as standard, and leather upholstery was used in the interior.
- Exterior colors included black, maroon, green, blue and grey.
- The Pathfinder’s appearance was similar to the Wolseley 6/90, though there were styling differences such as the opening bonnet with Riley’s radiator grille.

Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 113.5 inches (2,883 mm)
- Length: 183 inches (4,648 mm)
- Width: 67 inches (1,702 mm)
- Height: 60 inches (1,524 mm)

Performance and price
- A 1955 test by The Motor magazine showed a top speed of about 99.5 mph and 0–60 mph in 16.8 seconds.
- Fuel economy was around 19.5 miles per imperial gallon.
- The tested price was roughly £1,240 including tax.

Production and legacy
- About 5,536 Pathfinders were made.
- In 1957, the Pathfinder was replaced by the Riley Two‑Point‑Six, a short‑lived model related to the Wolseley 6/90.