Just after the end of the Second World War, that great British manufacturer Riley hit the ground running with a model that still remains one of the most graceful family cars ever.
The all new 1.5-litre was introduced in August 1945, with the 2.5-litre following in November 1946. These saloons caught on at once due to their wonderful flowing lines, well-appointed interiors and handy performance.
They impressed the motoring journalists of the day, who were just waking up to the fact that the British motor industry was going places and entering some truly golden years.
The Riley model, known as the RM series, may have been new, but it was based on traditional manufacturing methods. For instance, the elegant bodywork was mounted on an ash frame atop a sturdy steel chassis.
But the latest technology was flowing into the mechanical department with precise rack and pinion steering with front suspension by torsion bar and wishbone.
Engines used a twin camshaft arrangement that operated the inclined overhead valves by short pushrods.
Development of the model proceeded apace and from 1948 two new body styles were available on the 2.5-litre models. These were the Roadster and the Drophead Coupe, produced until 1950.
In 1952 there were some significant styling changes which included the fitting of full-width bumpers and a larger rear windscreen, as well as the fitting of fully hydraulic brakes.
But the end was in sight in 1953 when the 2.5-litre was replaced by the much more modern and very fast Pathfinder. However, the 1.5-litre continued to be made until March 1955.
As a crossover between the traditional cars of the late 30s and the modern styles of the 50s, the Riley RM is a perfect example.
In their heyday these cars reminded the world that not only were they a perfect example of a transition between the traditional cars of the 30s to the modern styles of the 50s, but a statement that Britain was king of the hill in the golden days of automotive development.
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