Description

1967 Riley Elf MkIII

A very smart Elf with upgrades; discs up front 1,100cc Jonspeed engine; alternator and alloys - very smart

Spotting a gap in the market for a more luxurious version of the humble Mini, BMC designed a pair of up-market models by 'topping and tailing' the standard car, retaining the majority of the basic Mini's components but adding lashings of walnut and leather in the process.

Marketed as the Wolseley Hornet and the Riley Elf, they had longer, slightly finned rear wings and larger boots that gave the cars a more traditional ‘three-box’ look. Front-end treatment, which incorporated each marque's traditional upright grille design, also contributed to a less utilitarian appearance.

Both cars went through three versions. Initially, they used the 848cc engine, changing to a single carburettor version of the Cooper's 998cc power unit in the MkII in 1963, sufficient for a top speed of 78mph.

In mid-1964 the Hornet received the improved Hydrolastic suspension to replace the original rubber coned arrangement. Other mechanical improvements included a modified clutch and key starting to replace the separate starter button used previously on the MkI.

The MkIII facelift of 1966 brought wind-up windows, fresh-air fascia vents and concealed door hinges two years before these were seen on the mainstream Mini. Slightly more popular than its Wolseley counterpart, some 31,000 Riley Elfs were built before production came to an end in 1969.

First registered in July 1967, this Elf MkIII was restored in 2012/14 when the colour was changed from grey to red. There are several photos of the car taken before an during the restoration.

In 2016 it was fitted with a reconditioned 1,100cc engine supplied by Jonspeed Racing of Nuneaton which was then rolling road tested and tuned.

The car has been further uprated with disc brakes up front and alternator charging and now sits on Dunlop D1 alloys with Yokohama tyres. It is also fitted with the correct 'period' Group2-style wheel arch spats.

Other invoices show routine upkeep since the restoration was completed and an online MOT shows it has covered just 1,500 miles since 2015. The odometer now reads 49,465 miles although we don't have sufficient paperwork to substantiate this. It's last no-advisory MOT expired in May 2018 and this pretty Elf is now MOT exempt.

For more information  - contact matthew.parkin@brightwells.com