1962 Riley Elf

Continuing on from the BMC-based 4/68 and One-point-Five models, Riley’s adventures in badge engineering were to take a turn for the bizarre with the Elf. It was launched in October 1961 alongside the Wolseley Hornet, and was basically an upmarket Mini with an extended boot and tiny vertical fins at the rear framing a new, separate boot area. Inside, the Elf bore the trappings of luxury synonymous with British cars at the time, so its interior was lined with wood trim, while additional chrome brightened up the exterior.

Car magazine's LJK Setright was acerbic about the car when launched. He said: ‘it is to appeal to those small minded snobs who found the idea of a Mini intriguing but the name of Austin or Morris offensive and the evidence of austerity.’ Adding insult to injury, Small Car magazine, concluded: ‘We guess it’s no exaggeration to say that the first Issigonis Wolseley Hornet/Riley Elf was among the ugliest, most uncomfortable and least desirable cars ever offered to the great British public. At any rate the one we tested in the winter of 1962 so disappointed us we couldn’t bring ourselves to write a word about it.’

But the contemporary view makes an interesting contrast with how people view the Elf today. Because enthusiasts love the extended rump and the old school Riley front-end, and will pay handsomely for good examples. Of course, the usual caveats that apply to any Mini hold true with an Elf—look closely at the rear subframe and for hidden rust underneath and in the floor. That lovely dashboard and interior will cost a fortune to re-trim if it's incomplete or damaged, although the twin-carburettor A-Series engine holds no such worries. Just check that it is original and documented.

The best Elf was the MkII, which was introduced in 1963. It was powered by the larger 998-cc A-Series engine, and featured interconnected Hydrolastic suspension from 1964, which added complexity as well as a fair degree of ride comfort without sacrificing the car's legendary cornering prowess. The MkIII saw the introduction of winding windows, better ventilation and a remote-control gearbox, adding more sophistication. But despite selling well, the Riley Elf was discontinued following the formation of British Leyland—and today it remains a fascinating and likeable relic in the wonderful Mini timeline.