1968 Riley Elf

The car is being sold as part of a large private collection. It has been on static display as a museum exhibit for a number of years so, consequently, our assessment of it is made purely on the grounds of its appearance. 

It will require recommissioning and is sold strictly as seen. The only history or paperwork available is displayed in the photo gallery.  In most cases the papers shown are photocopies, unless otherwise stated. 

The cars, while located in Greece, may be subject to your local rate of import VAT. 

Please contact freddie.woodd@bonhams.com should you have further questions.

We know from accompanying documentation that this delightful Riley Elf Mk III was originally black with a grey interior.

Bought for the collection in 2009 and comprehensively restored, it is now a rich burgundy red with a black interior.

The odometer on this unusual LHD variant is showing 36,103 kms.

The car looks to us to be in exceptional condition, inside and out.

Yes, it’s a kind of Mini, but one that’s been to the right school and knows how to use a fish-knife.

The exterior lines of this rare vehicle give it a rather aristocratic look - there’s even a hint of Rolls-Royce in that grille - and there are no obvious dinks, dents, creases or other aberrations to detract from that impression.

The shut-lines and panels seem straight and consistent.

The glossy paintwork is shiny and has an impressive depth of lustre. From what we can see, even entirely standard stone chips and light scratches are far more noticeable for their absence than their presence.

The chrome-work is following the same script in terms of condition and quality, as are the wheels.

The lights, lenses, badging and other exterior fixtures and fittings all appear to be in very good order.

The car’s interior looks as showroom-fresh as the rest of it and there are no signs of wear or ageing to speak of anywhere.

The black vinyl upholstery is taut and free of any splits or holes.

The wood trim around the dashboard has resisted the temptation to crack or fade.

Note the presence of two glove compartments, a move that made transitioning from LHD to RHD (and vice versa) quicker and cheaper for the factory.

The carpets and mats are beyond reproach, as are the boot and the simple analogue dials and controls. 

Having neither started nor driven the car, we can’t vouch for the efficacy of any controls, switches, gauges, dials or other mechanical or electrical systems and components.

Everything in the compact little engine bay looks particularly clean, dry, orderly and in its right and proper place. 

The engine bay is fully painted, which is always a sign of a comprehensive restoration.

The documentation includes some copies of Greek documentation, a few bills and invoices, some photographs of the car prior to restoration, and an exhaustive and very long list of work carried out during the restoration.  

Any Riley Elf is something for the Mini connoisseur to savour.

This particular example, with the added rarity of LHD configuration, must surely be one of the very best out there anywhere.

We’re confident to offer this car for auction with an estimate of €3,000 - €5,000

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Athens, Greece. To arrange an appointment to inspect this vehicle, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.