Riley Kestrel History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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The Riley Kestrel was a badge-engineered version of the BMC ADO16 1100, launched in 1965 with twin SU carburettors (in roughly MG state of tune), the traditional Riley grille and side 'whiskers', and a better-appointed interior. The larger 1,275 cc engine was added later in the run.
From 1968 the car was de-named, becoming simply the Riley 1300. It was discontinued in 1969 when British Leyland — which had absorbed Riley's parent the previous year — ended Riley production altogether, retiring the marque after the final 1300s. The Kestrel name had earlier been used on a body style of the 1930s Riley Nine.
Body styles
- Saloon
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