Built as more luxurious versions of the Mini, the Riley Elf had longer, slightly finned rear wings and a larger boot that gave the cars a more traditional three-box design. Wheelbase of the Elf remained at 2.036 m (6.68 ft), whereas the overall length was increased to 3.27 m (10.7 ft). This resulted in a dry weight of 638 kg (1,407 lb)/642.3 kg (1,416 lb) (rubber/hydrolastic suspension) for the Elf.

Front-end treatment, which incorporated the marque's traditional upright grille design, also contributed to a less utilitarian appearance. The car had larger-diameter chrome hubcaps than the Austin and Morris Minis, and additional chrome accents, bumper overriders and wood-veneer dashboards.

The Riley Elf's bodies were built at Fisher & Ludlow under their "Fisholow" brandname. Plates in the engine compartment on the right side fitch plate bear evidence of this speciality.

The Elf had three engine versions. Initially, they used the 848 cc (51.7 cu in) 34 bhp (25 kW) engine (engine type 8WR) with a single HS2 carburettor, changing to a single HS2 carburettor 38 bhp (28 kW) version of the Cooper's 998 cc (60.9 cu in) power unit (engine type 9WR) in the Mark II in 1963. This increased the car's top speed from 71 to 77 mph (114 to 124 km/h). Therefore, Mark II cars also came with increased braking power in the form of front drum brakes with twin leading shoes to cope with the increased power output. Both Mark I and Mark II featured four-speed, gearboxes (three synchromesh gears) with rod gear change, a.k.a. "magic wand" type.

Automatic gearboxes became available on the Mark II in 1965 as an option. The Mark III facelift of 1966 brought not only wind-up windows and fresh-air facia vents, but disc brakes replaced front drum brakes, too. Concealed door hinges were introduced two years before these were seen on the mainstream Mini. The gear selecting mechanism was updated to the rod type, as seen on all later Mini type cars. Automatic gearboxes were available to the Mark III in 1967 again. Full-four synchromesh gearing was eventually introduced during 1968. 30,912 Riley Elfs were built.

Production ceased in late 1969 when British Leyland discontinued the Riley brand name.

Our Riley Elf is in a nice original condition. The Cordinal Red leather of the seats has a great patina. The car has a factory fitted fresh air heater. It was first registered in 1968 and delivered by Granville Garages from Colchester. In 2003 the car was imported to the Netherland. A lot of documents come with the car, like a Certified copy of a factory record, Driver’s handbook, Service passport, invoices and original sale invoice. The car has a Dutch registration and is easy to register in every EU country. You do not need to pay any import taxes and we can help with transport.