Lot Ended
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
* All charges are subject to VAT