Riley Elf Saloon (1961)
Badge Engineering - Alive and well in Great Britain in the 1960s.
The British motor industry got a head start on (most) of the world post-WWII, as they had an opportunity to export to the Commonwealth, and, as the victors of the war, they had better factory capacity, and a stronger consumer economy. The industry nonetheless required some consolidation - many middle-class brands struggled to insolvency, while mainstream brands underwent partnerships.
Former competitors Austin and Morris combined, such that the revolutionary new Mini was sold under both brands. A couple of semi-luxury marques also were under the same parent company, and so a version of the Mini, with a modestly elongated tail and conventional luggage door was sold as both the Riley Elf (pictured) and the Wolseley Hornet from 1961 to 1969.
The two models had more upmarket interiors, as well as a neat little vertical grille (conferring status upon their owners). The Riley marques was retired in 1969, though the model range had included the Elf, the Kestrel (an Austin 1100/1330 derivative), and the Farina styled 4/72 up until near to the end.
Further market consolidation to create British Leyland (including Rover, Jaguar and Triumph) saw Riley closed in 1969.
Riley Elf Saloon (1961)
Badge Engineering - Alive and well in Great Britain in the 1960s.
The British motor industry got a head start on (most) of the world post-WWII, as they had an opportunity to export to the Commonwealth, and, as the victors of the war, they had better factory capacity, and a stronger consumer economy. The industry nonetheless required some consolidation - many middle-class brands struggled to insolvency, while mainstream brands underwent partnerships.
Former competitors Austin and Morris combined, such that the revolutionary new Mini was sold under both brands. A couple of semi-luxury marques also were under the same parent company, and so a version of the Mini, with a modestly elongated tail and conventional luggage door was sold as both the Riley Elf (pictured) and the Wolseley Hornet from 1961 to 1969.
The two models had more upmarket interiors, as well as a neat little vertical grille (conferring status upon their owners). The Riley marques was retired in 1969, though the model range had included the Elf, the Kestrel (an Austin 1100/1330 derivative), and the Farina styled 4/72 up until near to the end.
Further market consolidation to create British Leyland (including Rover, Jaguar and Triumph) saw Riley closed in 1969.