RILEY · RILEY ELF · Cars
RILEY ELF Rare
As of 2026 Q1, 792 RILEY ELFs remain registered in the UK — a genuinely rare sight on today's roads. Numbers are at their highest recorded level since the model first appeared in our data in 2014 Q3. Unusually, the numbers are actually rising — up 4 (0.5%) over the past year, as imports and barn-finds rejoin the register faster than cars leave it. Tellingly, 44% are declared SORN — kept off the road in garages and barns rather than driven, the signature of a car being looked after rather than used up.
Survivors over time
How rare is it?
Rare — fewer than 1,000 remain (792 in the latest data).
Rarer than 38% of the 2,429 UK car models we track.
Trend
About the ELF
Riley was a British motorcar and bicycle manufacturer from 1890. Riley became part of the Nuffield Organization in 1938 and was merged into the British Leyland Motor Corporation in 1968. In July 1969, British Leyland announced the immediate end of Riley production, although 1969 was a difficult year for the UK automotive industry and many cars from Riley's inventory may have been first registered in 1970. Today, the Riley trademark is owned by BMW.
RILEY ELF — questions & answers
How many RILEY ELF are left in the UK?
As of 2026 Q1, 792 RILEY ELF were still registered in the UK — 442 licensed and on the road, plus 350 declared SORN (off-road). The figures come from official DVLA vehicle licensing data.
Is the RILEY ELF rare?
The RILEY ELF is rare — fewer than 1,000 remain (792), making it rarer than 38% of the 2,429 UK car models we track.
Is the RILEY ELF increasing or decreasing?
Over the last year the number of RILEY ELF on UK roads rose by 4 (0.5%).
What fuel do most RILEY ELF use?
Most RILEY ELF run on petrol — about 100% of those still registered.
When did the RILEY ELF peak?
The RILEY ELF peaked at 792 registered in 2026 Q1, and was first recorded in the data in 2014 Q3.