Wolseley 1500 Mk III '64 1964
General description :
Belgian papers Production ended in 1965 with 39,568 Rileys and 103,394 Wolseleys In the spring of 1957, Wolseley again entered a sector of the market where they had been absent since the war. In April of that year, they introduced a "luxury compact," which would become the best-selling model ever. Initially, the new car would have a 1.2-litre version of the 'B' series engine, and 110 cars were produced exclusively for the Irish market. However, it was soon realized that this chassis could easily handle more power and was now equipped with the 1498cc engine. A single SU carburetor was supplied, and with a low compression ratio, only 43 hp at 4,200 rpm was originally produced, although later modifications increased this to 50 and 52 hp by the end of the model's running time. The car had a neat and pleasant style; seating for four people, attractive walnut veneer finish, good luggage space and excellent pace and performance for the time, and it sold very well. Apart from a larger tyre size, no noticeable changes were made until the introduction of the Mark II in the spring of 1960. However, these changes were mainly cosmetic, with hidden hinges of the trunk and bonnet and with the chrome strip being modified. A more notable change came with the arrival of the Mk III in 1961 when a new grille was introduced; the suspension was lowered; there was a new, more luxurious upholstery and revised colour schemes and new taillight units. Technical data Bodywork Length (cm): 386 Width/Length (cm): 155 Height (cm) : 152 Wheelbase (cm) : 218 Weight (kg) : 934 Mechanism Engine : 1,489cc B-Series Fuel system : SU carburetor Gearbox : manual, 4 speed Transmission : at the rear wheels Maximum power : 50 hp at 4200 rpm Maximum torque : 71 Nm at 2600 rpm Top speed : 126 km/h
http://www.oldtimerfarm.be/en/collection-cars-for-sale/6546/wolseley-1500-mk-iii-64.php
1964 Wolseley 1500 Mk III '64 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Aalter by Oldtimerfarm Dealer for €5950.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Wolseley Model : 1500 Model Version : Mk III '64 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1964 Location : Aalter
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About Wolseley
The Wolseley Company has a rich history in the automotive industry, known for producing quality vehicles and eventually becoming part of badge engineering initiatives. Here's an overview of Wolseley's story:Early Years:
Founding: The Wolseley Company was founded by Herbert Austin in 1901. Initially, it specialized in manufacturing bicycles before transitioning into automobile production.
Innovations: Wolseley was known for its engineering innovations, producing cars with notable advancements for their time, including the first British car to have a fully enclosed body.
Growth and Success:
Expansion: Wolseley expanded rapidly during the early 20th century, gaining a reputation for quality and reliability. Their cars were popular among the upper-middle class and gained recognition in various international markets.
Motorsport Success: Wolseley had success in motorsport events, further enhancing its reputation for performance and reliability.
Badge Engineering:
BMC Merger: In the mid-20th century, Wolseley became part of the British Motor Corporation (BMC), which led to the concept of badge engineering—producing different models under various brand names within the same company.
Wolseley Mini:
Mini Variants: As part of the BMC, Wolseley released its version of the classic Mini, known as the Wolseley Hornet and the more luxurious Wolseley Elf.
Distinctive Design: The Wolseley Mini variants had a more upscale appearance compared to the standard Mini, featuring additional chrome trim, a different grille, and a more refined interior.
Later Years and Decline:
Integration into British Leyland: In 1968, BMC merged with Leyland Motors to form British Leyland. Wolseley cars were still produced, but the brand lost some of its distinctiveness due to shared platforms and components among various badge-engineered models within British Leyland.
Decline: Over time, the Wolseley brand lost its individual identity as badge engineering became more prevalent within British Leyland. The company faced challenges due to quality control issues, labor disputes, and market changes.
Legacy:
Contributions: Wolseley made significant contributions to the automotive industry, especially in the early 20th century, with its innovative designs and quality vehicles.
Badge Engineering Era: While the Wolseley Mini variants added a touch of elegance to the classic Mini design, the brand's significance diminished as it became part of the larger badge-engineered product line within British Leyland.
The Wolseley nameplate eventually disappeared in the 1970s as British Leyland rationalized its brands, and the company shifted focus towards other marques within its portfolio. Despite its decline, Wolseley remains a part of automotive history for its contributions and its role within the badge engineering initiatives of British Leyland.