Riley Elf

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.

	Riley Elf / Wolseley Hornet Specifications:
		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
		Performance
	Maximum Speed	73mph	77mph
	0-60mph	32.3s	24.1s
	MPG	33mpg	35mpg
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
Suspension: Front: Wishbones, rubber cones, Armstrong telescopic dampers (Hydrolastic from 1964) Rear: Trailing arms, rubber cones, Armstrong telescopic dampers (Hydrolastic from 1964)
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