Buying Guide: Mini thrills for a fraction of the price

If the classic Mini is just a bit too run-of-the-mill, the posher Elf and Hornet are cracking alternatives. Here’s how you can find the best

‘Both offer the fun of a Mini plus a boot and some touches of luxury’

The art of ‘ badge engineering’ – selling essentially the same model under the guise of various marques – had been going on since the early days of the motoring industry, but few were better at it than the British Motor Corporation. Which brings us neatly to the two cars here.

With the groundbreaking Mini in production for just two years, buyers were treated to a new pair of models sporting historic badges – but with one very obvious difference at the back. Choose the Riley or Wolseley and your diddy Mini now came with a proper boot, and while the actual luggage space inside was far from cavernous, it added an appealing look.

The newcomers were certainly more luxurious, the Elf proving to be the plusher of the two thanks to its full-width wooden dash and, from 1962, full leather trim. Another key difference between the two could be found up front where the Hornet was given a delightful lit-up grille badge. The two models were pure Mini beneath the skin. Early models had an 848cc engine but the MkII’s introduction in early 1963 saw it upgraded to a 38bhp 998cc motor. Three years later the MkIII arrived, recognisable by its wind-up windows and hidden door hinges. Transmissions were also upgraded over the years, including an automatic option from 1967, while three years earlier saw a switch from rubber cone suspension to Hydrolastic technology. What didn’t change was the essential Mini character, with both models offering the same blend of fun and nippy handling that still makes the little classic so enjoyable today. Plus, there’s the same ease of ownership, maintenance, and parts supply. Production ended in 1969 after 30,912 Elfs and 28,455 Hornets had been built. Relatively few survive today, but both are notably cheaper to buy than the iconic Mini and a budget of £6000 should bag you a good ’un.