Buyer’s guide Elf & Hornet

The luxury Mini is a fun and practical variation on a winning theme, and is now receiving the attention it has long deserved

Brand loyalty was a significant factor in the 1950s car market – but mass production was essential to keep costs down. Struggling to hold on to faithful customers of its onceproud independent brands, the unwieldy British Motor Corporation resorted to ‘badge engineering’ its volume models as multiple car ownership per household increased, hoping to attract wives, sons and daughters to buy a Riley or Wolseley ‘like Dad had’. With the Mini variants, the cars had the advantage of extra boot space over the base Austin and Morris – though Mini designer Alec Issigonis was less than impressed with the 8.5in extra length added to his packaging miracle. The two cars sold in very similar numbers, with the slightly more expensive Riley marginally more popular than the Wolseley.

Unlike the ADO16 series, in which the Riley Kestrel had twin carbs and significantly higher performance than the Wolseley version, the Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet shared the same single-carb power units. The differences between them were instead purely cosmetic – trim, grilles and badging, with a bit more wood

and leather in the Riley than its cheaper sister.

Performance differences come between the 848cc Mk1 and the 998cc Mk2/3, with significantly increased torque making the later cars more flexible to drive. However, you’re more than likely to find the car you’re viewing has a different power unit to factory specification by now anyway. The Wolsely here has a 1275cc engine, along with other modifications carried out when it belonged to Peter Mitchell OBE, founder and MD of the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust. Personalising is hugely popular when it comes to all models of Mini, and the booted cars are certainly no exception.

There are more differences from the standard Mini than you might expect: the rear window is smaller, so its chrome surround trim is hard to find; the rear pillar external seams are eliminated; and the opening rear quarterlights with piano hinges are extremely rare.

The front slam panel, the rear valance panel, the chrome grilles, bumpers and overriders, the bonnet spears, the chrome side and front trim strips, and even the exhaust system, are all unique to these cars and are difficult or expensive to find. Rot, and owners’ personal taste changes, are likely to be your biggest obstacles.

The Hornet and Elf were Dick Burzi’s take on the Mini, and were designed to appeal to more traditional customers preferring luxury over performance

Fun to drive, like all Minis, with ‘go-kart’ ride and handling on rubber and more compliance on Hydrolastic, the Elf and Hornet are best for local journeys unless modified (like this one) with more power and higher gearing. This car also features an ultra-rare steering-column mounted Viking Hornet rev counter

The alternator and carburettor are indications that this is a later engine, but otherwise the A-series changed little between 848cc and 1275cc. Cast-iron head means valve seats recede on unleaded fuel above 3000rpm, but most now have an exchange head with harder seats: an inexpensive and easy swap

Unique parts, such as chrome grilles and bumpers, are extremely hard to find now so beware of incomplete projects or cars with missing trim

12in wheels give better clearance and higher gearing; disc brakes are preferable. Standard drums are fine for 10in wheels, if well maintained

The in-the-sump transmission benefits from frequent oil changes: check for jumping out of second gear and rumbling in the lower ratios

Although fitted with later, more supportive front seats, this interior is more original than many, with Cardinal Red trim and carpets

The Elf and Hornet combine the famous Mini handling characteristics with that little bit more comfort, and offer the opportunity for tweaking