This Mini Classic got away, but there are more like it here.

1968 Riley Elf Mk III 4-Speed

A Alumni

Sold for $15,105 on 10/17/23

45Comments

View Result

This 1968 Riley Elf Mk III is finished in blue over color-coordinated upholstery and is powered by a replacement 1,098cc inline-four paired with a four-speed manual transaxle. The car was acquired by the seller on BaT in August 2022, and subsequent work involved installing a Maniflow exhaust system and replacing the wheels, tires, headlight lenses, side mirrors, and lower front grilles. Additional equipment includes a Mini Spares intake manifold, an SU carburetor, an aluminum radiator, and front disc brakes. This Elf is now offered with California black license plates, spare parts, and a clean California title in the seller’s name.

The Elf was based on the contemporary Mini and is distinguished by a three-box design incorporating a vertical grille, an enlarged trunk, and rear fender fins. This example was stripped before a repaint in blue under prior ownership, and various components were replaced during reassembly. Clear headlight lenses were installed following the seller’s acquisition along with stalk-style side mirrors, aftermarket lower body trim, and yellow-lens Marchal fog lights, which are not wired in. The lower front grilles were also replaced, and overriders were added to the rear bumper. An area of touched-up paint on the front of the car is shown up close in the gallery.

Refinished 10” steel wheels wear Riley-branded full covers and are wrapped in 145/80 Falken Sincera SN-807 tires showing 2021 date codes. A full-size spare is stowed beneath the trunk floor alongside the battery. Stopping power is provided by Mini Spares 7.5″ front disc brakes as well as rear drums.

The right-hand-drive cabin features front bucket seats and a rear bench that were retrimmed in light blue with dark blue piping under prior ownership, and the gray headliner, door panels, and carpets were also replaced. Coco floor mats line the footwells. Peeling varnish is visible on the wood glove compartment doors, and the dash is cracked below the coolant temperature gauge. The seller notes that the clock requires a replacement battery.

Centrally mounted Smiths instrumentation consists of a 95-mph speedometer with an inset fuel level gauge as well as gauges for coolant temperature and oil pressure. The five-digit odometer shows 90k miles, approximately 300 of which have been added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.

The replacement 1,098cc A-Series inline-four was installed under prior ownership and rebuilt in 2021. A Mini Spares intake manifold, a finned valve cover, and a single SU HS4 carburetor have been fitted, and a Maniflow exhaust system was installed under current ownership. The seller notes that the aftermarket aluminum radiator prevents the hood from closing fully, and a factory-style replacement will accompany the car. An oil change was most recently performed in July 2023.

Power is sent to the front wheels through a four-speed manual transaxle with a non-synchronized first gear. The clutch assembly was replaced under prior ownership. The seller notes noise from the transaxle when downshifting from third to second gear at high engine speeds.

Spare parts are included in the sale along with four unmounted tires that are shown in the gallery.

Photo Gallery

Auction Result

Winning Bid	USD $15,105 by caniborrowatrailer
Auction Ended	October 17, 2023 at 10:42AM PT
Bids	27

7,721 views

592 watchers

You are not connected to real-time updates. Attempting to connect.

Your real-time updates could not be connected. Missed updates will be sent once your connection has been reestablished.

Reconnected! Checking for missed updates…