Lot Ended
Description
In single family ownership from new; only 43k miles; always garaged;
highly original; just how we like them!
Spotting a gap
in the market for a more luxurious version of the humble Mini, in 1961 BMC
launched a pair of up-market models by 'topping and tailing' the
tiny saloon for a more traditional ‘three-box’ look. Retaining the
majority of the basic Mini components, the Riley Elf and the Wolseley
Hornet had a proper boot at the back, complete with tail fins, and lashings
of chrome at the front with a traditional upright radiator grille and
additional chrome air intakes.
Step inside and
the transformation was even more dramatic, with a glorious full-width walnut
dash with twin glove boxes, leather upholstery, chrome ashtray and an interior
light so you could straighten your tie before heading for the bar at the Rotary
Club.
Both cars went through three revisions,
the MKIII gaining a single carb version of the 998cc Cooper engine rather than
the original 848cc unit (good for 78mph); Cooper gear stick in place of the
rather floppy ‘magic wand’ original; Hydrolastic suspension; proper wind-up
windows; concealed external door hinges; improved cabin ventilation and optional
reclining front seats.
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
Monmouthshire in December 1969, this super little Elf MkIII has been in
single-family-ownership from new and we are assured that the 43,166 miles on the
clock is correct.
Our vendor’s grandmother
owned the car for the first 28 years of its life, passing it to one of her
grandsons in 1998 who in turn passed it on to our vendor in 2024.
Other
than a few bills for routine service items over the last 10 years or so, it
comes with no early maintenance history but we are told that it was always kept
in good running order and was tucked away in a nice dry garage when not in use.
The MOT history shows that it has only covered around 1,000 miles since
2009.
As you can see in the photos, this Elf is
in pleasingly original condition and looks reassuringly solid. Starting promptly
and running well as we have moved it around on site, it is now in need of a
caring new owner who can continue to enjoy and preserve it as the current family
have these past 56 years.
Consigned by James
Dennison – 07970 309907 – james.dennison@brightwells.com