Mini Riley Elf MK III Aenne Burda pre-owned extensively restored and 10.000€ invested (1969)

Vehicle description

The Mini, which was introduced in 1959 under the brand names Morris (Mini Minor) and Austin (Seven), has had numerous derivatives over the years. A luxury offshoot of the Mini was the so-called Riley Elf introduced in 1961, which stood out above all by the front vertical radiator grille, the attached rear trunk and the changed taillights. This Riley Elf was, among other things, much more extensively equipped by the walnut wood dashboard, the leather seats and the abundant chrome trim on the exterior compared to the mini base models. There were a total of 3 series of the Riley Elf – the last (Mark III) was discontinued in 1969.

The Mini Riley Elf MK III from 1969 to be purchased in this auction is the former car of Aenne Burda from Burda Verlag. In total, the Riley with the chassis number RA2S31251996A has only 2 holders. 2 vehicle keys are enclosed with the Riley Elf, a partially existing history in the form of various documents can also be submitted to the car. The Riley already has an H-approval, the TÜV runs until October 2023. Matching numbers are given and an expert opinion is also available.

Above all, the radiator grille standing steeply in the airstream and the attached trunk are the first distinguishing features of this noble Mini offshoot. This original car by Aenne Burda has already been completely restored and repainted, external defects are not to be listed according to the seller – furthermore, no modifications can be recognized deviating from the original condition. All chrome elements on the car are complete and preserved in extremely good condition, as well as the bumpers at the front and rear shine in full shine. Corrosion on the exterior can apparently not be found.

The original rims are used as rims, on which tires that are still in very good condition are mounted. Also in very good shape according to seller statements are the brakes of the Riley Elf. In the area of the so-called hydrolastic suspension, no complaints can be made.

The interior of the Riley Elf is also luxurious: black full leather seats, a precious wood dashboard, long-pile carpet and a chic 2-spoke steering wheel. Although a few signs of wear can be detected in the interior of the Riley – especially in the area of the leather seats can be spoken of strong patina – but serious damage can not be found except for the torn leather in the passenger seat. Everything works perfectly in the interior of the Riley, according to the current owner.

3 round instruments set in chrome provide the most important information for the driver. After consultation with the current owner, this Riley Elf has run a total of about 64,620 kilometers, which can be proven on the one hand by a partially guided checkbook and on the other hand by various available documents. The instruments in the interior are said to function flawlessly.

The almost 1.0-litre in-line four-cylinder engine in this Riley Elf delivers 35 hp – the power of the engine is passed on directly to the front wheels via a manually operated 4-speed manual transmission. According to the sellers, many maintenance work was carried out in-house, and no defects in the powertrain can be listed. Most recently, the clutch slave cylinder was renewed, upcoming repair work is currently not to be mentioned.

The seller describes the condition of the subfloor as very good. A Riley Elf impresses with the charm of a small Rolls-Royce offshoot of the classic Mini. This Riley Elf, dating from 1969, comes from a prominent previous possession: A 6-minute video about the car and its history can be found on YouTube under "On the road in the Aenne Burda Riley Elf". This Riley Elf represents a true little time capsule of the 1960s, with which you can still easily be on the road in everyday life today.

Vehicle videos

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