The 1960 Riley One-Point-Five is one of those rare cars that quietly bridges the gap between modest practicality and genuine driver enjoyment!

A small saloon with a surprisingly big personality.

At first glance, its proportions are classic late-1950s British: compact, upright, and neatly styled with just enough chrome to give it a touch of class. But look closer, and you begin to see the Riley distinction,  the purposeful stance, the signature grille, and the subtle cues that hint this is no ordinary family car.

Under the bonnet lies a lively 1.5-litre engine, paired with a slick manual gearbox that feels far more engaging than you might expect from a car of this era.

What truly sets the One-Point-Five apart, however, is its handling. Thanks to its well-balanced chassis and responsive steering, it delivers a driving experience that is nimble, connected, and genuinely fun, more akin to a sports saloon than a humble runabout.

Inside, the cabin reflects a time when even compact cars were given a sense of occasion. Polished wood, simple but elegant instrumentation, and comfortable seating create an environment that feels both charming and purposeful. It’s not about luxury in the modern sense, but rather a sense of craftsmanship and understated refinement.

On the road, the Riley shines in exactly the way enthusiasts appreciate, not through outright speed, but through involvement. It encourages you to drive it properly, to enjoy the rhythm of the gearbox, the feedback through the steering wheel, and the character of the engine. It’s a car that rewards input rather than isolating you from it.

Today, the 1960 Riley One-Point-Five enjoys a loyal following among classic car enthusiasts who value its unique blend of practicality and driving charm. Increasingly appreciated for its character and usability, it represents an accessible entry into classic British motoring, and a reminder of a time when even everyday cars were built with personality.

A truly mint example of this charming and increasingly uncommon British classic, combining traditional craftsmanship, lively performance and unmistakable 1950s character.

The Riley One Point Five represents a delightful period in British motoring history, when smaller family saloons could still offer a genuine sense of sporting character, refinement and individuality. Introduced in 1957, the model combined the practicality of a compact four-door saloon with Riley’s established reputation for engineering excellence and sporting performance. With its distinctive styling, traditional radiator grille and beautifully appointed interior, the One Point Five offered a level of sophistication seldom found in motor cars of its class.

This particular example is an exceptionally well-presented motor car, displaying the unmistakable signs of careful ownership and preservation. The bodywork is beautifully straight, complemented by lovely, glossy paintwork, while the interior is equally impressive. Retaining much of its original character and charm, this is a Riley that deserves to be appreciated not only for its condition, but also for the wonderfully engaging motoring experience it offers.

Vehicle Highlights & Features

• Exceptional Condition – A truly mint example of this increasingly uncommon British classic.
• Bodywork – Beautifully straight panels with excellent overall presentation.
• Paintwork – Lovely, glossy paintwork that complements the Riley’s elegant styling.
• Interior – Beautifully presented, retaining its traditional British character and period detailing.
• Engine – Responsive 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering lively performance.
• Transmission – Manual gearbox providing an enjoyable, driver-focused motoring experience.
• Handling – Well-balanced chassis offering nimble, confident handling and excellent road manners.
• Interior Appointments – Traditional wood accents, classic instrumentation and charming period fittings.
• Original Documentation – Original Certificate of Registration available.
• Accessories – Complete with jack, spare wheel, owner’s handbook and Riley notebook.
• Odometer – Reading displayed in miles.
• Originality – A well-preserved and carefully maintained example, retaining its authentic character.
• Overall Presentation – A particularly appealing motor car, ready to be enjoyed and appreciated.

Condition & Presentation

Finding a Riley One Point Five in this standard of presentation is becoming increasingly difficult. This example has clearly benefited from considerable care over the years, with its straight bodywork, attractive paint finish and beautifully maintained interior combining to create a motor car that presents exceptionally well.

The interior is a particular highlight, reflecting an era when even smaller British saloons were finished with a degree of craftsmanship and attention to detail that is rarely encountered today. Traditional wood trim, attractive instrumentation and thoughtfully arranged controls create a welcoming and character-filled environment, reminding us why these charming British classics continue to attract such a loyal following.

Adding to its appeal is the availability of the original Certificate of Registration, together with the jack, spare wheel, owner’s handbook and Riley notebook. These accompanying items provide an additional connection with the car’s history and contribute to its overall desirability.

Performance & Driving Experience

The Riley One Point Five was always regarded as something of a sporting saloon, offering considerably more performance and driver involvement than its modest proportions might suggest. Its 1.5-litre engine delivers lively, responsive performance, while the manual gearbox allows the driver to make the most of its willing character.

On the road, the Riley feels nimble, balanced and surprisingly capable. Its relatively compact dimensions make it easy to manoeuvre, while the well-sorted chassis provides reassuring handling and an enjoyable sense of connection between driver and machine. It is precisely this combination of simplicity, responsiveness and character that makes classic motoring so rewarding.

Unlike larger and more demanding classics, the One Point Five offers a particularly approachable ownership experience. Whether enjoyed on a leisurely Sunday drive, a club outing or a longer journey through the countryside, it provides the sort of uncomplicated motoring pleasure that modern vehicles often struggle to replicate.

A Charming & Collectible British Classic

The Riley name occupies a respected place in British motoring history, particularly among enthusiasts who appreciate the marque’s sporting heritage and distinctive engineering traditions. The One Point Five remains one of the more appealing post-war Riley models, offering an attractive combination of practicality, performance and traditional styling.

With surviving examples becoming increasingly uncommon, particularly those retaining their originality and presenting to such a high standard, the model holds considerable appeal for enthusiasts seeking something a little different from the more familiar British classics of the period.

This particular Riley One Point Five is a wonderful example of what makes classic car ownership so enjoyable. Beautifully presented, full of personality and accompanied by valuable original documentation and accessories, it offers an opportunity to acquire a distinctive British motor car that is equally at home being admired at a classic car gathering or enjoyed on the open road.

A delightful classic…practical, engaging and full of personality. A lovely example of traditional British motoring at its very best.

The Riley One-Point-Five has long been admired for offering more driver involvement than its contemporaries, earning a reputation as a true “driver’s saloon.” It remains accessible yet distinctive, a classic that stands apart from the more common offerings of the era.

In recent years, values for well-presented examples of the 1960 Riley One-Point-Five have shown steady growth, as enthusiasts increasingly recognise their unique blend of usability, charm, and driving character.

Still relatively affordable compared to many British classics, they represent an attractive entry point into the collector market. With a finite number of good examples remaining and rising global interest in usable, character-rich classics, the outlook is for continued appreciation.

This makes the Riley not only a delightful car to own and enjoy, but also a sensible long-term classic investment.

New Zealand Sales
Unless otherwise stated, vehicles sold for use in New Zealand will be supplied with a new Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and 12 months New Zealand registration at the time of sale.

Transport & Shipping
New Zealand transport and worldwide shipping can be arranged on the Buyer’s behalf and at the Buyer’s cost and risk. Any freight, shipping, insurance, customs charges, duties, taxes, import costs, certification or compliance costs are the responsibility of the Buyer unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Export Sales
For vehicles purchased for export, the Buyer is responsible for determining and satisfying all import, registration, certification, compliance, tax and regulatory requirements applicable in the destination country.

Viewing
All vehicle inspections and viewings are strictly by appointment only.

Applicable Law
All sales are subject to applicable New Zealand law. Nothing in these Conditions of Sale excludes or limits any statutory rights or obligations that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

For more information about this vehicle, please contact us Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 6:00pm (New Zealand Standard Time) on +64 (0) 3 310-6485. Alternatively, you may email us at [email protected] anytime, or contact us through the form below.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak.

NOTIFICATION AS TO NATURE OF GOODS IN TERMS OF THE CONSUMER GUARANTEES ACT 1993

Waimak Group Ltd is a New Zealand registered company and accepts that the vehicle being sold must be of “acceptable quality” in terms of section 7 of the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (the Act) having regard to “the nature of the goods”. Waimak Group Ltd is not aware of any specific defects with the vehicle, however (a) such a vehicle being a classic vehicle may have mechanical breakdowns, electrical failures at inconvenient times and maintenance costs being part of and parcel of ownership of a classic vehicle; (b) reliability is a combination of the particular nature of the classic vehicle, how it is being driven, how it has been maintained, and to a certain extent luck; (c) because of the age of the vehicle, and its propensity to rust, it is likely that the vehicle would have been fully or partially restored, or at least repainted at some point in its life, maybe even more than once. Waimak Group Ltd does not know, and cannot give advice on how good any restoration work on the vehicle had been.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the vehicle is being sold as a classic car; that in terms of the Act and the nature of the goods, the vehicle is an old car, bike or boat, that may have visual and hidden faults, unlike a new motor vehicle.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak Group Ltd.

The Purchaser acknowledges that they have read and fully understand this notification and the nature of a car which is many years old.