Lot 503: 1966 Riley Elf MkII Sedan

One of the most influential automobiles of all time, the Alec Issigonis-designed Mini debuted in 1959 to universal acclaim. True, there had been numerous front-wheel-drive designs before the Mini’s arrival, but the transverse engine layout allowed Issigonis to create a trend-setting masterpiece of automotive packaging. BMC chose to market the car as the Austin Seven and Morris Mini Minor before Mini became a marque in its own right in 1969. In due course estate and van versions arrived, larger engines became available, more luxurious Riley and Wolseley models joined the line-up, and the sporting Mini Cooper was introduced.

A luxury Mini blessed with marginally greater boot space and an improved interior, the Riley Elf (along with its Wolseley Hornet stablemate) debuted in 1961, the duo being differentiated by contrasting chromed grilles in each marque’s 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 color schemes, while both 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 The original 848cc-engined Elf/Hornet was superseded by the more powerful 998cc MkII in 1963.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 gearchange linkage and deleted external door hinges. Built only between 1961 and 1969, the Elf and Hornet are today counted among the more collectible of early Minis.

This right-hand drive example was supplied new in Dunedin, New Zealand to its first owner, the vendor’s grandmother, and has remained in the family’s possession ever since. Currently California registered, the car has covered 55,000 miles from new and is offered complete with service booklet, owners’ instruction manual and Certificate of Title. A rare opportunity to acquire one of the Mini’s more desirable, less-often encountered variants in well-preserved, original condition.