Buying Guide: Elf and Hornet
In October 1961 the Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet were launched by BMC in the UK. These Mini-derived alternatives to the successful Austin and Morris Mini ranges provided Wolseley and Riley dealers a slice of the Mini’s success. Designed by BMC’s Dick Burzi, the Elf and Hornet evolved through three ‘marks’ up until the end of production in August 1969.
BMC used the Hornet badge from Wolseley from its previous models from the 1930s. However, when it came to Riley’s pre-war back catalogue, the ideal ‘Imp’ moniker that the company had used on it’s small cars couldn't be used. Whether this is because BMC got wind of the fact Rootes Group had started testing what became known as the Hillman Imp is unclear. Interestingly, the Hillman didn’t see production until 1963. The Elf name seemed just as fitting for the finned and fancier Minis.
Elfs and Hornet have a loyal following and are warmly welcomed within the Mini community but, when it comes to value compared to the Cooper and Cooper S models, or even mainstream models of the Mini, they have usually been sold below the price of Minis of similar age and condition, even with their high-specification comparable to the S in trim. In recent years prices have slowly started to increase, as people appreciate their rarity and individuality.
From new, these cars were more expensive than their Mini alternatives, with the cheaper Hornet costing 672 1s 5d and the Elf £693 18s 11d which, compared to the £526 for a basic Austin or Morris Mini, was quite a hike. With all the extra trimmings, unsurprisingly, Elfs and Hornets were also heavier with a MkIII Riley weighing 660kg, compared to 636kg of a MkII Mini with the same engine.
Estimates of
