Wolseley 1500

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

This Wolseley 1500 isn’t what it purports to be because under the bonnet lurks not the expected 1489cc BMC B-Series engine, but a 1798cc engine from an MGB, which puts the Wolseley in a different performance league to its standard brethren. The engine starts instantly and feels as if it can’t wait to get into action. The stubby gearchange is a delight and the overdrive engages smoothly with no hesitation. All this makes for astonishingly refi ned cruising and a car that you could easily use on a motorway – if you don’t mind a bit of noise. The steering and suspension are more than capable of handling the extra power and there are no tell-tale squeaks or rattles signifying wear. There are also no nasty transmission judders or other signs of problems as a result of the engine and gearbox being changed.

BODYWORK CHECK

There isn’t any significant rust on the car, which has been resprayed in two-pack to an acceptable standard. Not surprisingly, there’s evidence of welding in the front floorpans and the outriggers have been renewed, but this has been done to a high standard. The chrome is in good condition, the Nankang tyres have a decent amount of tread remaining and the illuminated Wolseley grille badge is present and correct.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The interior of this car is best described as ‘gently mellowed’. The seats have their original leather but the front ones are sagging somewhat – some fresh cushioning would certainly be of benefit. The carpet is a recent replacement but looks to be to original spec, and all the door trims have survived the test of time extremely well. The headlining is complete, but a bit shabby, and the steering wheel is in good order, though the top of the indicator stalk unit is missing. The interior woodwork is in generally good order, with just a few cracks. There are a few stray wires beneath the dashboard but everything appears to work as it should, though the radio is missing.

UNDER THE BONNET

There’s some surface rust on the block but nothing threatening. It’s not show-prepared but fairly clean. We could fi nd no leaks or any smoking from the engine and the radiator looks original. All the hoses are in good order, with no bulges or cracks.

THE CCW VIEW

This would be a brilliant classic to use regularly. The interior is charming – and would be even more so if the seats were re-stuffed – and it’s good to to see that the car still has its original registration number. The MGB engine and overdrive make a big difference to its performance, too. Not one for purists or concours fans, then, but solid and capable with lots of character.