Mini Riley Elf Mark 1 (1961)

A 1961 Mini Riley Elf Mark 1 is for sale in red with red leather interior.

Highlights:

• Completely restored
• Appraisal from 09/2019 with a grade of 2+
• Mostly new sheet metal incorporated (including new fenders, front mask, door skins, sills, floor coverings, rear apron)
• Completely repainted
• Replacement engine installed
• Seats reupholstered and covered with genuine leather
• Carpet in footwell renewed, headliner reupholstered
• Last service in 2025 (performed by the owner himself)
• Investments totaling approximately €12,000

General information about the vehicle

• Year of manufacture: 1961
• First registration: England, 12/1961
• Location: 48485 Neuenkirchen, Germany
• Number of vehicle owners: 2
• Restored (according to the owner, from the ground up)
• Accident-free (according to the owner)
• Registered with red license plates
• H license plate
• TÜV: expired
• Ready to drive

Model history

The Riley Elf Mk I was introduced in 1961 by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and was technically based on the classic Mini from Austin and Morris. Unlike the standard Mini, the Elf had a unique notchback body with an attached trunk, a more distinctive radiator grille, and modified taillights.
The front-wheel-drive small car was powered by a transversely mounted 848 cc four-cylinder engine with 25 kW (34 bhp). The top speed was around 112–115 km/h. With its combination of compact Mini technology and more upmarket looks, the Riley Elf positioned itself as the more luxurious variant in the BMC range.

Facts

Exterior & interior:

• Exterior color: red
• Interior: red leather upholstery
• Completely repainted (according to the owner)

Engine and transmission:

• 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 60 hp (44 kW)
• Replacement engine installed
• Manual transmission
• Last service: 2025 (performed by owner)

Mileage:

• Mileage: 5,000 miles (according to odometer reading)
• Speedometer has rolled over once
• Mileage cannot be verified
• No service records available

Documentation:

• Vehicle documents
• Expert opinion (09/2019, grade 2+)

Tires, brakes, bodywork & underbody:

• Tires: good tread 7 mm, 10 years old
• Brakes: good condition, 70% (vehicle equipped with disc brakes)
• Bodywork: very good condition
• Underbody: good condition
• Please view the photo gallery and videos for further insight into the vehicle's condition

Known defects:

Kickdown attaches great importance to providing as realistic and detailed a description of all vehicles as possible. Our photographer carries out a careful inventory on site and documents visible signs of wear and tear and any abnormalities. In addition, we discuss any possible defects in detail with the seller in order to list known issues transparently.

• Some age-related signs of wear are present, but no defects are known
• Please view the photo gallery and videos to gain further insight into the condition of the vehicle.

Summary:

A comprehensively restored 1961 Mini Riley in red with newly designed leather interior is for sale. According to the owner, the vehicle was rebuilt from the ground up, with numerous sheet metal parts replaced and the car completely repainted. A 1,300 cc replacement engine has been installed, and the last service was in 2025. With an H license plate, current registration, and a grade 2+ appraisal, this Riley presents itself as a solidly restored classic. The mileage of around 2,500 miles has been read and cannot be verified. Overall, this is an opportunity to purchase a rare and extensively refurbished representative of the Mini Riley series.