Riley Kestrel History

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.