1968 Riley Elf 

Riley Elf (based on Mini, sort of luxury version) [near Palm Springs ]

UPDATE: Owner reports it's GONE, GONE, GONE!

This 1968 Riley Elf is a close cousin to the classic Mini, including the Austin/Morris Mini and Mini Cooper. It shares all its mechanical parts with the classic Mini, so parts are readily available from here at MiniMania.

The Elf is sort of an upscale version of the Mini, in that it has the unique Rolls Royce-looking grille in front, and a small extended boot (or "trunk") in the rear. Elfs also came with larger engines than the basic Mini, and came with features such as rollup windows and internal door hinges, when the basic Mini of that period still had sliding windows and external door hinges.

Another feature unique to the Elf is its factory-fitted wood dash that has two gloveboxes and dash vents. Most Elfs for the UK market came from the factory with leather upholstery, but this one built for New Zealand has vinyl.

The Elf engine/transmission is interchangeable with the Mini, as are components such as the suspension, subframe, brakes, steering components, windshield and other glass. The seats and door panels are essentially the same also. The transmission is a four-speed, four-synchro model.

The Elf's 998cc engine is freeway-capable and will carry four passengers at 70 mph without even breathing hard.

This 1968 Elf is an unmolested, all-original car, including its original interior, 998cc engine, exterior chrome and Elf badges front and rear, and best of all - the original steel wheels with the (extremely rare) original Elf hubcaps. The engine appears to be original and never been apart. The only non-original item on this car is the aftermarket vintage-style roof rack, which is removable.

Nice, unmolested Elfs are seldom for sale, so this one won't last!

With some cleanup, this one could be entered in shows as a nice "survivor" car, meaning it's not one of those -better-than-it-left-the-factory "full restorations," but instead it proudly shows its minor wear and tear from normal use and its good care since "birth." The interior could use some scrubbing, and (under the front seat covers) there are some splits. Also, the top of the rear seat back is cracked and sun-damaged.

The medium blue (original color) paint resprayed some time ago is cracked and chipped, and there are some very small rust "blisters" that haven't grown at all since the Elf arrived in 2000 from New Zealand, (where the dry climate generally keeps rust at bay). With the poor-quality respray, we'd say it's a "20-footer," meaning it looks good from that distance - and when it's zipping down the street!

Runs well, drives well. The current owners used it as a daily driver for a number of years, (except when it's just too hot in Palm Springs, where it's located). Owners are - reluctantly - willing to send it to a new home only because of health issues.

Located near Palm Springs. California titled for seven years; currently registered. [ ID# EP8575]. Asking $5,750.

UPDATE: Owner reports it's GONE, GONE, GONE!

FINE PRINT: MiniGuy / Lewis Motors makes no representations as to the accuracy of any seller's listings on our "Consignment - For Sale by Owner" pages, including but not limited to, physical or mechanical condition of vehicle, status of title or registration, any applicable emissions-equipment, emissions-testing or emissions-certification requirements, as well as relevant safety equipment or safety-related requirements, import status, or fitness for use. Please note that emissions or safety requirements may differ by state, region, or country. Potential buyers should consult their appropriate state or local agencies or departments to determine, among other things, the status of a particular vehicle related to the above, including vehicles that might normally be exempt from emissions testing, emissions equipment, or emissions certification requirements. For California buyers or sellers, more information may be obtained from various state and local agencies, including, but not limited to, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the Bureau of Automotive Repairs (BAR) and the California Air Resources Board (ARB).

BOTTOM LINE: This is a case where it pays to do your homework. Be careful what you buy, you may not be able to drive it in California.

Contact Information

MiniGuy / Lewis Motors (805) 405-6263 Agoura Hills CA