1965 WOLSELEY HORNET MkII

ENGINE 998cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 38bhp@5500rpm TORQUE 52lb ft@2700rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 77mph 0-60MPH 24sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 32-38mpg TRANSMISSION FWD, four-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 63,400 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The clothes peg within the dash pocket is a familiar choke assistant, but isn’t actually needed and the oil pressure gauge settles to a healthy 60psi at idle. The magic wand gearstick takes no time to get to grips with, because it’s precise and drama-free. The suspension is quite firm and the handling confident, eager and fun through the corners. The drum brakes can be a little lazy but stopping power is ample. Overall, the drive is exact and rattle-free; it’s well cared-for and possesses a real fun factor.

BODYWORK CHECK

The popular Yukon Grey and Birch Grey combination is perfect for the upmarket Wolseley and it received a full makeover a decade ago. The car has only travelled 3000 miles since 2008, so the paint is largely perfect. The few tiny black spots on the offside front wing should polish out during pre-sales preparation, and there is also a minute blemish at its base. The chrome is in great condition – bar the odd bit of pitting on the bumpers – while the inner wheel arches are painted to match the body and, like the floorpan, are free from any patchy welding.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The interior was fitted with all-new carpeting and interior panels a decade ago. The leather seats were also refilled but the covers look original, with just honest wear and the odd stitch showing. There are a couple of marks in the cream rooflining, but the veneer around the chrome-ringed dials is deeply varnished and the three gauges and switches work correctly. The original sliding windows allow for additional storage space within the doors. There’s no fitted radio, but the deco-style speaker covers are fitted into the door frames.

UNDER THE BONNET

The engine bay is so well presented that even the slightest failing is noticeable. The block offers a shiny BMC green finish minus the normal oil leak courtesy of the cork rocker cover gasket, but the perfectionist may want to polish the SU carb, paint the ignition coil and radiator top and give the brass brake lines some extra shine. The original lady owner of 40 years ensured that the car had an annual service and MoT at the same garage in Eastbourne. Invoices dating back to 1975 are included in the large history file, as are the original brochure and handbook.

THE CCW VIEW

Any future custodian will be responsible for upholding the high maintenance standards this Hornet has enjoyed. Neither the Wolseley nor the Riley booted versions seem able to match the high values of comparable Minis (especially the Coopers) but prices are steadily rising. This Hornet, which offers a luxurious interior and a terrific drive, just needs a new owner to supply the rest.