Description
This is lot number 551 in the Bonhams Beaulieu Sale on September 14th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Single family ownership from new until this year
Highly original
Exceptionally comprehensive history
'Driving superbly'
A luxury Mini blessed with marginally greater boot space and an improved interior, the Riley Elf (together with its Wolseley Hornet stablemate) debuted in 1961, the duo being differentiated by contrasting chromed grilles in each marques traditional style and the presence of a full-width wood veneer dashboard in the slightly more upmarket Elf. There was much greater use of chromium plating as well as the option of two-tone colour schemes, while both models enjoyed an interior considerably better appointed than that of ordinary Minis. The original 848cc-engined Elf/ Hornet was superseded by the more powerful 998cc MkII in 1963. Subsequent improvements included Hydrolastic suspension, a diaphragm clutch and, in the form of the 1966-launched MkIII, the Hornet/ Elf became the first of the Mini family to feature wind-up windows, face-level ventilation, remote gear change linkage and deleted external door hinges. Built only between 1961 and 1969, the Elf and Hornet are today counted among the most collectible of early Minis.
Owned by the same family from new until earlier this year, this Riley Elf comes with a remarkable fully comprehensive history dating from 1969 to the present and contained within two box files (perusal essential). According to our vendor the car is highly original - albeit in need of a respray - and drives superbly. Just circa 69, 500 miles are displaying on the odometer. Described as in good condition throughout, with patinated interior, this exceptional Riley Elf comes complete with a V5C document, handbook, jack, and a manufacturer's brochure.
