Registration: ACN197D

Chassis: RA2S2763096
Odometer: 81,700
Transmission: Manual
MOT: Exempt

 Supplied new by R Mills & Son in Dunedin, New Zealand

• Imported to UK in 2016
• One UK registered keeper
• Part of a large British Leyland collection
• In original specification

The Riley Elf, produced from 1961 to 1969, was a luxury version of the classic Mini, developed by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) to appeal to more upmarket buyers. Essentially a rebadged and restyled Mini, the Elf featured a distinctive extended boot with small tail fins, a traditional upright Riley grille, and more refined interior trim, including wood veneer dashboards and improved upholstery. It shared mechanical components with the Mini but was marketed under the Riley marque, which had a reputation for elegance and prestige. While it was never a high-volume seller, the Riley Elf remains a quirky and collectible piece of British motoring history, embodying the blend of practicality and charm that made the Mini famous, but with a decidedly more genteel character.

We are pleased to offer this 1966 Riley Elf in yellow with green interior. We have a letter from the British Mini Club confirming that the little Riley was first registered in New Zealand in April 1966 on the registration plate DK 7532. CKD kits (complete knock down) were supplied to New Zealand where they were built at the Dominion Motors Assembly Plant in Aukland. Our Elf stayed there until 2016 when it travelled to the UK and was re-registered the following year with its current plate. We have a letter from HMRC confirming duties were paid. Since then, our vendor has been the sole owner. A gentleman with a significant collection of British Leyland cars, he hasn’t really done much with it since then and it should be seen as a project which would benefit from some recommissioning. We’re told that there is a water leak and the clutch is a little on/off.

Externally, the first thing you notice is that, unlike a UK car, this Elf is all one colour. New Zealand cars had unique paint colours and did not have contrasting roofs. They also had clear indicators at the front. The paint itself could be improved but the plethora of brightwork is generally pretty nice, with only the tail lamp surrounds and bonnet strip showing significant pitting. The cabin is pleasingly original and a nice place to be. Again, it differs from UK built cars in having vinyl rather than leather seat trim and a body colour dash surround.

The car comes with a V5C, import paperwork, an old MOT and the letter from the British Mini Club. We also have the original service book which slots into a charming little pouch in the passenger door.

This cheery little Elf is offered with no reserve and would make a lovely first time classic with an interesting story.