Riley Elf
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 2
Introduction
The Riley Elf and Wolsley Hornet were upmarket versions of
Sir Alexander Issigonis masterpiece, the
Mini. The distinctive grille was the standout feature, while the tail received its own makeover, which included extending the length so that the car looked much more like a typical saloon.
In April
1961 BMC introduced front body seams and front and rear bumper overriders, and the following year there was the progressive introduction of baulk-ring
synchromesh on the upper three gears. Leather replaced leather-cloth on seat facings and rear seats improved.
In
1962 the Mark II version was released, these cars gaining the larger 998cc engine along with improved drum brakes. A counter balanced bootlid was also introduced, and modifications to the heater made considerable improvement to its effectiveness.
In
1964 came the introduction of
hydrolastic suspension, along with a diaphragm spring clutch, combined starter/ignition switch, crushable sun visors and plastic framed driving mirror.
In
1966 BMC released the Mark III, and this iteration is arguably the more collectable today. Gone were the external door hinges (these not becoming standard on the Mini until
1969), and finally there were wind up windows. There were revised door handles (interior and exterior), reshaped door trims, a remote control gear-lever and fresh-air vents at each end of dashboard.
Standard kit also included better insulation and carpeted boot, while the exterior was finished in distinctive duotone duco. In October
1967 BMC re-styled the seats and introduced a combined stalk switch on the
steering column.
In
1968 came a fully
synchromesh gearbox, and in August
1969 the last Riley Elf would roll off the production line.
The replacement was the Mini Clubman. Optional extra's included whitewall tyres, weathermaster front tyres, radio, fresh-air heater,
steering lock (export only) and
automatic transmission (from
1967). There were other various approved accessories, such as seat covers, door pocket ashtray, wing mirrors, seat belts, auxiliary lamps and rubber mats.
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Riley Elf / Wolseley Hornet Specifications: |
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Mk1 |
Mk2/3 |
Engine |
848cc 4-cyl OHV |
998cc 4-cyl OHV |
Designation |
8MB |
9WR, 99H |
Bore/Stroke |
62.94 x 68.26mm |
64.59 x 76.2mm |
Compression Ratio |
8.3:1 |
8.3:1 |
Power output |
33bhp @ 5300 rpm |
38bhp @ 5250 rpm |
Torque |
44lb.ft at 2900 rpm |
52lb.ft at 2700 rpm |
Steering |
Rack & pinion |
Brakes |
Hydraulic drum/drum |
Wheels/Tyres |
3.5x10in steel wheels. 5.2x10in Dunlop C41 cross-ply |
Wheelbase |
2.037m |
Length |
3.054m |
Width |
1.397m |
Height |
1.346m |
Front Track |
1.204m |
Rear Track |
1.166m |
Weight |
632kg |
Fuel Tank |
5.5 gallons (25l) |
Load Capacity |
0.17cu m |
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Performance |
Maximum Speed |
73mph |
77mph |
0-60mph |
32.3s |
24.1s |
MPG |
33mpg |
35mpg |
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Transmission:
- Manual:
- 4th 3.765
- 3rd 5.32
- 2nd 8.18
- 1st 13.66
- Automatic (Option from 1967):
- 4th 1.0-2.0
- 3rd 1.46-2.92
- 2nd 1.85-3.7
- 1st 2.69-5.38
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Suspension:
- Front: Wishbones, rubber cones, Armstrong telescopic dampers (Hydrolastic from 1964)
- Rear: Trailing arms, rubber cones, Armstrong telescopic dampers (Hydrolastic from 1964)
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Production:
Riley Elf MKI 1961-1962: 3,522
Riley Elf MKII 1963-1966: 17,816
Riley Elf MKIII 1966-1969: 9,574
Total : 30,912
Wolseley Hornet MKI 1961-1962: 3,166
Wolseley Hornet MKII 1963-1966: 16,785
Wolseley Hornet MKIII 1966-1969: 8,504
Total : 28,455 |