Description

1967 Riley Elf MkIII

Recently restored and upgraded with 1,100cc engine, front disc brakes and alternator charging

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. 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 2012/13 when the colour was also changed from grey to red, with a good sheaf of invoices to show all the new parts used. There are also several photos of the car taken before and 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 tuned. It has been further uprated with front disc brakes and alternator charging at some point. Other invoices show routine upkeep since the restoration was completed, an online MOT check showing that it has only covered 1,400 miles since 2015, the odometer now showing 49,357 miles. The last MOT expired in May 2018 (no advisories recorded) and it is, of course, now MOT-exempt.
As you can see in the photos, it looks to be in very good order throughout, bar some slight crazing to the paintwork on the roof, and has been starting promptly and running nicely as we have moved it around on site with good 60psi oil pressure.
For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com