Created as a somewhat upmarket Mini. With a specially built body (done at coach maker Fisholow and the car retains the original coach builder`s plate), similar to a standard Austin/Morris Mini. But with a different shaped bonnet, elaborate chrome grille shell, air vents, and bumpers. And in the rear, a larger trunk compartment. And the Wolseley emblem in the grille lights up when the lights are on. Sort of like a pinball machine.
And while standard Minis had crude sliding windows and no ventilation, the Wolseleys (and their companion model, the Riley Elf) came with roll up windows, face level air vents, a fresh air heater, wood dash, internal door hinges, and leather seats.
Even better, this car has been fitted with a full fabric sunroof with front wind deflector. And also a new headliner Wonderful on a warm day and pleasant on a cold or wet day. Finding ANY `period` Mini with a sunroof is a rarity, in this car`s case, makes it just about ideal for Summer cruising.
5.3 million were ultimately built of those, 27,000 were Wolseley Hornets. So, rare even in England. And, after all, how many 50+ year old cars have covered only 26,000 miles? As a fun collector`s car to drive to shows and turn heads, the Wolseley is hard to beat (and it seats four)
This car: 26,000 original miles (validated by English MOT inspection papers), came to the USA in 2005, never registered, sitting in storage in NY with occasional short drives to local shows, excellent body and subframes, excellent drive train, wiring, chrome (a bit worn but not dented nor peeling), some wear on the driver`s seat caused us to reupolster both front seats in leather, new carpets, interior is excellent. White exterior with deep red interior. The 998cc engine produces 38hp but, then again, the curb weight is a mere 1400 pounds. And with excellent steering and handling. Compression is 140-145 psi in every cylinder, 65-70 psi oil pressure, no smoke, quiet valves, it really doesn`t come better than this.
The fresh air heater has great output, all of the gauges and electrics work, we evacuated and reinflated the hydrolastic system and installed all new lines and fittings, trunk floor is perfect, it is a GREAT little car. AND when we sell it, we will supply the special hydrolastic pump for use by the next owner.
As I have retained this car, so far, for a couple of years, have installed the kind of options I enjoy in my other classics: modern stereo with blue tooth, a 12v outlet with USB outputs, and a variety of lesser items. All of which sort of makes this car `ready to go.` For shows, for casual around the neighborhood driving, mostly...for fun.
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