Description
1968 Riley Elf MK III very similar to Wolsey hornet.
Fairly rare survivor from the 1960’s. Be brave be different to a mini!
Here we have a nice example of a Riley Elf from 1968 finished in maroon with a white roof and a stunning cream and maroon interior finished in leather, contrasted with the magnificent wood trim that cars from the 1960s had.
Extremely low mileage of only 40, 000 odd miles showing on the clock and no reason to disbelieve it!
Find one with lower mileage!
This car has had a restoration at some point in its life, but due to the previous owner passing on information is limited.
I would guess Circa 10-15 years ago. With only small very small bubble starting to appear on the bottom of each door skin to show it’s a age. Please see pictures.
Some of the specifications of the Riley Elf were far superior to every other sort of Mini on the market at the time. The main stylistic differences over the Mini were the addition of the lengthened tail and specific upright grilles, the extended tail made the Elf some 8. 5 inches longer than the Mini. Allowing for larger baggage space. There was much more chrome work on the outside including the unique chrome grille that lifts with the bonnet. Inside, the cabins were much plusher with leather seat facings, better seat padding, full width wooden dash with glove box compartments. A very nice place to be and a world apart from the standard Mini, almost like a small Bentley or Rolls-Royce.
Despite their historical position as unloved members of the large Mini family, maybe due to the cost difference, which was quite considerable, but with the differences in specification that was to be expected. Many features of the Elf - the 998cc engine, wider front brake shoes and twin leading shoes, wind up windows, internal door hinges - were applied to the standard Mini saloon in the later years, so it just goes to show it was not unloved, just before its time. In total over 30, 000 were made between 1961 and 1969, so someone liked them and you could now by owning this pleasant example.
Any questions feel free to contact me.
I know Devon is a long way from lots of you but I can assist with a good local car Courior I know who could help at the buyers cost.
