1968 Riley Elf Mk III

Mini fever was rife in the 1960’s. The marque remains as popular today, although for collectors, the earlier motor cars are the most prized. If you wanted something a little more refined than the standard offering from the Austin/Morris range, then the Riley Elf with its cousin the Wolseley Hornet, offered just that little bit extra. Size wise, you had a bigger boot, but more popular was the plusher interior, offering leather seats, a wooden dashboard and a classy grille assembly.

PBW 967F was first registered in 1968 and found languishing quite locally to him by a retired,  professional classic car restorer, who saw it as an ideal project to prepare for his girlfriend. So around 2014, work started on the Riley. This included new inner and outer sill panels, front floor pan and rear sub frame. The coachwork was completely resprayed in Yukon Grey with a white roof. Inside, the red carpets were replaced but the red leather seats remain in good original condition. The headlining is showing a little age but is original. The wooden dashboard is excellent with all instruments and switches present and correct. The motor car even retains its original steering wheel. Chrome throughout is of a high order in condition.

Mechanically, the 998cc engine was rebuilt with an unleaded Downton Cooper cylinder head. A brand new (BL old stock) four speed manual gearbox was fitted together with a new radiator. Stopping power was upgraded with Cooper front disc brakes and servo assistance. The five wheels are Dunlop D1 of the period and were shod with fresh rubber.

For those seeking something from the world of Minis, but maybe being a little apprehensive of possible work needed, here is a very pretty example, which we would venture to suggest appears really well sorted and ready for immediate enjoyment. The mileage is thought to be correct at a little over 87,000, but clearly the motor car looks and feels like it should be much less.

Supplied with the V5C registration certificate, and some old MOT test certificates. Since most, if not all the restoration was done by the vendor, there are no invoices to substantiate the work carried out, but an inspection of the vehicle should make further convincing unnecessary. What a particularly lovely opportunity to enter the world of The Mini!

Auction Date: 7 September 2017