Wolseley 1500
ENGINE 1489cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 50bhp@4200rpm TORQUE 74lb ft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 79mph 0-60MPH 24.4sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 18-24mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MOT November 2017 ODOMETER 89,692 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The SU carburettor-fed A-series engine fires immediately upon pressing the starter button and idles smoothly with no blue exhaust smoke. It feels smooth and unstressed on the move, while gearchanges are fussfree, allowing a respectable turn of pace. Steering inputs are also sharp – as you’d expect from a rack-and-pinion set-up – and the drum brakes work efficiently. However, the suspension needs work, with inadequate damping over rough roads sending clonks through the steering column.
BODYWORK CHECK
It’s fine from a few yards away, though closer inspection reveals corrosion working its way through the rear corner of the offside rear door, evident from the bubbling paint. Also, the door sits over the back of the sill and wheelarch, where previous repair work is beginning to become unstuck, and the door bottom has begun to crumble. The floors, however, are all solid. The window rubbers appear to have been replaced recently, and most of the brightwork needs no immediate attention, though the rear bumper is badly pitted. The inside of the boot betrays signs of a rushed respray, though visible exterior paint presents quite well. The tyres are something of a mish-mash, in terms of both brands and condition.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The cream carpets are in good condition (though in need of a good clean) and the headlining looks good, scattered spots of discoloration aside. The front seats (green with grey piping) and rear bench are OK; it’s possible that they’ve been retrimmed fairly recently. The dashboard is presentable, though the veneer has lost some of its sheen and it isn’t fixed securely in place. It’s the same story with the ammeter, which is affixed to similarly veneered wood, but resting loose on a shelf under the dash. Sundry cracks and scuffs may persuade its next owner to replace the steering wheel, and a fresh gearlever gaiter is needed. There are no seatbelts fitted, front or rear.
UNDER THE BONNET
The 1500’s engine bay will do little to redeem the car in the eyes of a concours judge, though the oily bits have clearly been attended to, with good levels, fresh oil and new spark plugs. The bulkhead and inner wings all appear to be solid, but sorting the rocker cover’s flaking paint would instantly improve appearances.
THE CCW VIEW
According to its previous owner, this Wolseley had been in dry storage for a number of years prior to its revival. Plenty has been spent on recommissioning, but there’s still some way to go. However, it would be an ideal winter rolling restoration ahead of next year’s show season.