I was looking at different cars based on the mini tonight, such as the Riley Elf, and the Wolsley Hornet, and may end up looking for a center console from one of them. It has a nice factory, and period look to it. Just wondering if anyone else has gone down this road, or other options?

 

Huh?

(Kidding) . We have NEVER seen either of these in the U.S.

Good luck with some answers.

Jim

 

I think it'd be hard to get the center console from them since they didn't make very many of them. I actually haven't seen the center console of them...

 

I know they were never imported into the US during times of construction. I`m actually in the UK now, and will be for anywhere from a couple of months, on to July. I have seen a few of the vehicles go for cheap, and by cheap I mean £50-150. Basically non runners with rust issues, but would be a ok vehicle to source a few odds and ends from. I may look into this more, just trying to find out what my options are. If you google the vehicles or go to www.ebaymotors.co.uk, theres a few examples on there. Just do a search for Riley Elf, or a Wolsley Hornet. Its the same shells as the mini, but they have different front ends, and rear quarter panels. If you look at the greenhouse, you`ll recognize it though.

 

At major Mini show (List found in Mini World or Mini Magazine) in UK there is a vendor who sell custom center consoles, specifically for Minis. Right off hand, I can not remeber the vendor name to save my life. But if you ask at any show they will point them out to you. This vendor will assemble your console on site while you shop. The consoles come with many options ie.. cup holder, radio mount, change holder and so on. They also come in any color.

NOTE: All Mini parts should be purchased at Mini shows. If you shop there you will save tons of money as they do not charge VAT there. Tires on rims are so cheap without the tax.

Cheers,

Ash

 

I wish they had mini shows here.

 

The best place to do an event with vendor for both new and classic Minis would be "On The Dragon" and "Los Vegas" Mini events.

 

You mean these?
Custom Consoles

 

I like the Dash and Speaker options they have as well. Not sure about the front speaker boxes though. My legs barely fit as is.

 

Those are the right ones, but you can still get them cheaper at the shows.

Now if you're looking for a Mini club to join or to buy another Mini, try Mini World or Mini MagazineThey're the best source for anything Mini related.

Cheers,

Ash

 

Those are cool!

 

Those look nice, but its not really the look I'm going for. I really like the factory look of the Riley/Hornet piece. The design you listed, I have looked at on ebay.co.uk. Thanks though.

 

Man it will be hard finding parts for the Hornet and Woslsey Elf as they no longer manufacture their parts.

 

plkdb,

Now you have me scratching my head as I've not noticed center consoles in Elves or Hornets. I love the interiors of the Rileys. The extra "luxury" bits are very cool. Seems as though opinions are very split on these two variants, with a pretty strong dislike of the design by some of the Mini book authors. I think they're way cool.

 

I don't think Elves or Hornets were ever fitted with centre consoles from the factory, only Walnut veneer dash panels with the centre speedo, 2 gauges and a glove box lid each side. The only factory fitted console was I think on the Mini 20th Special made of black plastic in 1979, but they all take up valuable floor space so I've never fitted one myself.

 

Here's a DIY centre-console from Minifinity.com

http://www.minifinity.com/modules.ph...centre_console

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1969-RILEY-ELF...#onPhotoChoice

Heres a Riley Elf, with a nice center console. It follows the lines of the dash nicely. I'm assuming its a factory piece. Just looks a little nicer than the other consoles I see for sale.

 

plkdb,

Damn... I love that car. Good thing it's in Europe or I would going nuts to figure out how to justify another 1,400-lbs. toy in the garage. Granted, I am still a classic mini novice, but it appears to aftermarket, but I agree, it does match the aesthetics of the gauge layout above it.

Why don't you buy this one, add it to your collection and rob it's console for your mini.

Let's see a photo of your mini!

 

Pictures should be up in my gallery. My neighbor tried convincing me to ship a elf or hornet back, but the problem is, no one knows what they are. A mini is instantly recognized by the masses, and would be relatively easy to resell.

 

I didn't do AMVIV, but I don't remember seeing much of ANYTHING for Classics at the Dragon event.

I'd think that Mini Meet East and Mini Meet West, both of which are tailored primarily for the Classic crowd, would be a better source. Also, be on the lookout for "Classic British Car Days" in the summertime - they are for all kinds of Brit cars (Triumphs, MGs, Mini/MINI, Lotus, Jag etc.) so the parts vendors tend to be quite diffuse, but you might find what you're looking for.

 

You're right! Nice mini and I like that vintage color.