1958' Wolseley

Here we have a 1958 Wolseley 1500 Mark 1 in stunning condition both inside and out. And, before we go any further, let me tell you about the part which I believe makes this early "exterior hinges" model quite unique. She has been fitted with a "sister engine", that being the 1622cc unit from the Farina range (Oxford, Cambridge etc). So, rather than her original 1489 (1500) unit, she now has the slightly bigger BMC 1600. The result? She drives like a dream, with the most magnificent torque at lower speeds and fantastic cruising ability at the top end!

So, very much like the ever-popular upgrade of the Morris Minor Traveller from 1098 to 1275 etc - just as a prime example of fellow BMC stock - here we have an ever so subtle upgrade. Talking to one or two Wolseley orientated folk, there appears to be something of a belief out there tha the sprightly little Wolseley 1500 and sister car The Riley 1.5 ought to have been given the 1622 lump in the first place - back in 1957 when the model was launched. Anyway, there we have it and I think it's a great plus!

Back to the car. Her condition needs to be seen to be believed and - try as I might - I could not avoid shadows and reflections appearing on my photos. This, I am certain, is down to the fact that her black paintwork (cellulose) is so deep and has so much lustre. Anyway, you are welcome to view in the flesh in any case.

Incredibly, she was restored as long ago as 1977 - an amazing 40 time lapse of 40 years! Clearly she was done to the very highest of standards and today she looks as though her re-incarnation was more like four years ago as opposes to 40. This simply goes to prove just what a sheltered and pampered life she has led ever since that comprehensive resto.

During those past 40 years, she has covered just 14,000 miles on her 1622 engine which, in the car's history file, is described as being new at the time. Probably safe to say a rebuilt one I would suggest. At any rate, she pulls like a train and performs superbly with excellent oil pressure.

Her restoration must have been most professional. Her structure is great with superb outer and inner sills, door bottoms, arches and so on. I see no rust and all panels are mega straight. Her floor pans are amazing while underneath she looks just as good. A new front cross member was fitted during restoration. In recent years she has benefitted from whatever she needed and has been treated to a new steering rack, front dampers, suspension parts, exhaust etc.

Her interior is utterly delightful and, in my opinion, original. This is an early Mark 1 and not a Wolseley to be confused with a lot of later examples which were down-graded a little and aimed at the fleet market. Indeed, they were actually called fleet models. On the contrary, this is an early model with all the better features. Plenty of interior woodwork around the windscreen, wooden door cappings and of course those marvellously period 2-tone seats. The inner sections are leather with the outer surround a type of rexine (I think) which was popular at the time and was featuring in Mark 1 Minis. She has excellent fitted carpets and a gorgeous wooden dash. The original banjo-style steering wheel completes the picture.

Her engine bay is in stunning order (so is the boot for that matter) and those flitches (inner wing lips where they bolt onto the body) are in outstanding order.

This is not a 1950s classic to be missed and you will struggle to come across better out there. If you are one who prefers total originality to the extent that you do not approve of the subtle engine upgrade, then that's fine. I assume you will not be trying to purchase this delightful old girl.

As with all my classic cars, I regard them as the equivalent of motoring antiques. Even the very best available cannot be perfect. Since the motor car was invented, vehicles have ceased to be perfect once they leave the dealer's showroom. I do not like concourse classics, and have little time for those who take them to shows on trailers, clean the tyre treads with a toothbrush and then sit po-faced at the front of their vehicle all day. Classic cars are to be loved, enjoyed, driven, improved, repaired, tinkered with and hopefully pampered. Even the best will show some signs of wear and tear commensurate with their age. Do not expect a 50-year-old car to be in the same condition as your wife's 6-month old Range Rover. Although I suppose some could actually be in a superior condition come to think of it (sorry, joke!). I love my Georgian dining table, despite all its centuries of repair work. If had wanted a new table then maybe I should have gone to Oak Furniture Land!


I accept all major debit/credit cards and a ten per cent deposit is required at the point of sale with the balance due within three days. I can also assist with delivery and so please ask for a quote. Thanks, Martin (07595 020282).