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1.5s in Competition
Although not designed as a competition car, the One-Point-Five was quite successful in it day in circuit racing and international rallies.
However it was Alan Hutcheson who was the most extensive 1.5 racer. He campaigned his little blue Riley for many years, which was extremely rapid, developing over 100bhp by his final season in 1963. Although not able to achieve outright race victories, Hutcheson was regularly a class winner against the works Sunbeam Rapier of Peter Harper and the rapid Borgwards. It was really only with the advent of the Mini and the Lotus Cortina that the Riley became outclassed. The Riley wasn’t quite as successful in rallies as on the circuit, however it was campaigned for several years in the UK by enthusiastic amateurs. In 1958 the BMC Competitions Department decided to build three works One-Point-Fives to compete in major international rallies, to be followed by two further cars. Unfortunately they were not that successful and didnt achieve the best results - although it could be argued that with a little further development they should have done quite well. However BMC decided to concentrate its efforts on the Mini, which subsequently went on to dominate rallying in the 1960's!! Top left:- Works prepared car in the 1958 Monte Carlo Rally Left:- Williamson & Milne on the 1961 Coupe Des Alpes Rally Right:- Harold Grace with problems at Mallory Park - 1958
With the growing popularity of historic competition the One-Point-Five is once again showing to be quite competitive.
On historic rallies these cars are very competitive. One notably entry is that driven by Cliff Doe and son Paul, their car is well prepared and developed with approx. 100bhp (see pic on left) making it always in the hunt for a good overall result. On the track we find that our 1.5 along with a few others are always battling for a class victory
We have raced our 1958 One-Point-Five, known as Noddy, for a number of years now, with varying amounts of success. The car is extensively modified, although we have tried to keep the car reasonably within period. In general the car has a full race 1622cc engine, twin SU’s, standard gearbox/rear axle, uprated suspension throughout with anti-roll bars, disk brakes, and has been lightened and strengthened. Racing Results 2008:- This year we have fitted a video camera to the car - so view these videos at YouTube - just type in "Riley 1.5" ! 1962 . Alan Hutcheson (Riley) and Peter Harper (Sumbeam Rapier) have a season long battle for class honours (left pic.). At the Aintree Grand Prix Meeting of that year things get serious - firstly Hutcheson pushes Harper wide causing him to spin on the grass, later the pair touch again - this time Hutcheson rolls the Riley end-over-end, finishing up like this!
Brands Hatch 2008 |
On the circuit, the most notable drivers where Les Leston, Alan Hutcheson and long-time Riley enthusiast Harold Grace. It was Les Leston who won his class in the 1958 Saloon Car Championship, which he followed up with a third overall in 1959. 
Top right:- Les Leston racing at Goodwood.
‘Noddy’:-
ing 60's style!:-
