Wolseley 1100
ENGINE 1098cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 55bhp@5500rpm TORQUE 61lb ft@2750rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 85mph 0-60MPH 18sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 27-35mpg TRANSMISSION FWD, four speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 32,707 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
On the road, this Wolseley’s low mileage certainly feels genuine. The steering is accurate with no play; it is a little heavy at low speeds but soon lightens up at speed. The Hydrolastic suspension works perfectly, giving a wonderfully supple ride, soaking up bumps and offering great body control through the bends, albeit with some lean. With discs at the front the brakes are more than strong enough for such a light car, and stop the 1100 in a straight line. The twin-carb A-series runs sweetly with smooth power delivery. Acceleration feels more rapid than the figures would suggest, and the mid-range torque makes it pleasant and usable. The four-speed gearbox is simple to use, and the gears select with no problems. The suspension and transmission all work correctly and have no issues
BODYWORK CHECK
The panels are excellent. There are no dents or dings and the car is rust-free with good panel gaps. The paintwork is generally in very smart condition, there are a few marks around the car in the form of some chips on the door edges and tiny blisters on the boot lid, offside front wing top and on the nearside sill. The chrome bumpers are very good with minimal pitting, and are fitted with overriders front and rear. The grille is in excellent shape and the famous light-up Wolseley badge works as it should. The car has new tyres all round.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
There is a pleasing patina to the blue leather seats. There are a few surface cracks in the hide but no splits and the stitching is all good. The carpets, door cards and headlining are in great condition as are the door cards and headlining. Apart from a scratch on the glovebox lid, the wood on the dashboard and door caps is in lovely overall condition. The steering wheel and its centre badge are in superb order, as is the wooden gear knob with its logo-emblazoned top. There is no radio fitted, but a heater is located below the dashboard. Kangol seat belts are fitted in the front but not in the rear.
UNDER THE BONNET
It’s all very original under the bonnet. The light film of road dirt over the A-series engine and engine bay demonstrates that there are no big leaks to worry about. An SU electric fuel pump is installed in the boot.
THE CCW VIEW
Possibly the rarest variant of the badge-engineered ADO16 range, the Wolseley gains twin carburettors, leather trim and a touch of class above the lesser marques within the range. This example drives well, looks good and should be easy to maintain. This would make a practical and usable classic that will get nods of approval from those who spot the increasingly rare name badge.