Riley Pathfinder (1953-1957)
When is was introduced, the pathfinder looked thoroughly modern: full-width bodywork with wide, one-piece windscreen.
1954 Riley Pathfinder
The interior was roomy, with seats for 6. An unsual feature of this car is the position of the gearlever: on the floor, to the right of the driver.
1954 Riley Pathfinder
STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL and NOT FOR PUBLICATION BEFORE WEDNESDAY, 14TH OCTOBER [1954]THE RILEY PATHFINDER
A Fast, New Sports Saloon
The Riley “Pathfinder”, announced by The Nuffield Organization today is an entirely new and spacious saloon of imaginative body design, having an engine which develops 102 b.h.p. and is capable of a maximum speed, under ideal conditions, of more than 100 m.p.h. In order to achieve higher performance at all speeds the compression ratio of the successful 2443 c.c. o.h.v. engine with hemispherical head has been stepped up to 7.25 to 1. Riley enthusiasts will appreciate the siting of the gear shift lever on the floor on the extreme right-hand side (on the left on l.h.d. cars), a feature which in addition to its comfortable accessibility permits optional use of bucket or bench type seats.
Other refinements include the incorporation of the self-cancelling direction indicator switch on the horn ring, two speed self-parking screen wipers and black lighting for the instrument panel. The body is of all-steel construction with a turret-type top of immense strength. The one-piece curved windscreen and curved rear light give unusual all round visibility and by mounting the 121/2 gallon (59 litres) petrol tank forward of the boot and the spare wheel on a special platform under the boot floor, the amazing luggage capacity of 11 cu.ft, is provided. The boot door is counter-balanced and can thus be raised and lowered without effort. A concealed petrol filler cap with a quick release is provided and the fuel is fed to twin S.U. carburetters by a rear mounted S.U. electric fuel pump of increased capacity. Full width bumpers with over-riders front and rear, and twin tail, stop and reverse lamps are fitted. Rear suspension is by long coil springs with concentrically mounted hydraulic dampers, the axle being located by radius arms and a tranverse link. At the front the successful Riley “Torsionic” independent suspension system of torsion bars controlled by telescopic dampers is incorporated. A Borg and. Beck 10″ single plate dry clutch transmits the power through a four speed, synchromesh gearbox and. Hardy Spicer tubular propeller shaft to the semi-floating hypoid. rear axle of 4.1 to 1 ratio. Servo-assisted. Girling hydraulic fully-compensated brakes operate in 12 inch (30 cm.) drums and individual adjustment is provided, which simultaneously adjusts the handbrakes. The handbrake is of the pistol-grip type located under the facia. Instruments include a revolution indicator and. temperature gauge in addition to the usual equipment. Twin fog lamps, heater, map reading lamp, in-built windscreen washing and demisting equipment are also fitted as standard. The Pathfinder is available in the following colours:- Black (with maroon, green or biscuit upholstery) Maroon (with maroon or biscuit upholstery) Green (with green or biscuit upholstery) Blue (with grey upholstery) Grey (with maroon or grey upholstery)
Specification
(Riley Pathfinder 53-57)
Engine
Straight 4, 2443cc
Power
110 bhp @ 4400 rpm
Transmission
4 speed manual
Chassis
Perimeter frame chassis
Suspension
Torsion bar ifs, live rear
Brakes
Girling drum, servo-assisted
Top Speed
155 km/h
Acceleration
0-80 km/h: 11,7 s