Wolseley 1500
ENGINE 1489cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 50bhp@4200rpm TORQUE 74lb ft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 79mph 0-60MPH 24.4sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 25-35mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT Exempt ODOMETER 60,904 miles WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The B-series engine fires up without hesitation, and maintains its oil pressure at a healthy 50psi once warmed up. It feels well set-up, with no lumpiness, misfiring or signs of overheating. The steering feels light with a little bit of wander out on the open road but there’s no play or vagueness. All four ratios engage with no crunching, whining or jumping out of gear and there’s no juddering or pulling under braking. The only major point to pick up on is a jolt from the offside front corner, which the vendor suspects is a kingpin issue and will sort before sale.
BODYWORK CHECK
The Birch Grey paintwork is in generally good condition but a couple of specks of surface rust, which would benefit from future attention, particularly around the rear door frames and on the offside rear wing. The bodywork itself – which was the subject of an older restoration – is in sound condition, with the bottom of the A-pillars, the areas along the sills and boot floor all in good order. The 14-inch painted steel wheels have fared well and are shod with matching, recentlyfitted Bridgestone tyres. There are no scratches or cracks in the windscreen or other windows. There’s some minor pitting in the chrome and a small dent in the rear bumper, but this doesn’t detract from the overall condition.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
All of the blue leather seats’ creasing is consistent with the car’s age, but we’d focus attention on the driver’s seat, which is particularly worn on its right-hand bolster. There’s also some scuffing on the bottom of the driver’s door card but otherwise the trim and carpets have held up well. There are some small, burn-like marks in the headlining, but no other scuffs or rips. The dashboard wood is in good order and the Smiths instruments all work correctly, including the famous flashing bulb at the end of the indicator stalk.
UNDER THE BONNET
While some of the components are clearly showing their age – with plenty of peeling paint on the radiator in particular – there’s nothing particularly amiss with this 1500’s internal organs. There are no signs of oil seeping out from the B-series unit’s rocker cover and a quick check of the dipstick shows oil at the correct level and a healthy golden colour. The battery is a recent Halfords unit and there no signs of fraying or corroded connections on the wiring. The bulging history folder contains MoT certificates dating back to the 1960s.
THE CCW VIEW
While not concours, this honest, clean 1500’s few niggles should be easy to sort. Be quick if you’re tempted, though – it was already under offer at the time of our drive.