Wolseley 15/60 16/60 /20 Open Drive all weather Cabriolet. 1912
General description :
1912 Wolesley 16/20 Open Drive Cabriolet.
Registration Number: RL2243
Chassis number: 16482
Engine Number: 94-988
A delightful Edwardian in impeccable condition coming to us from a small collection out of an estate sale. Well known in Wolesley circles, this open drive all weather cabriolet comes to us in impeccable condition.
The coachowrk is orriginal to the car & versatile being fully closed at the rear or fully open with slide down windows. The rear seats are upholstered in the correct Bedford cord which clearly is of great age yet remins in good condition. Twin occasional seats fold out of the bulkhead allowing for 7 people to be conveyed within. To the front is buttoned black leather again of great age but in fine useable condition. The dash contins the requisite period instrumentation.
The roof of the car is easy to put down & also easy to erect. It is of japanned black leather giving the car a very period look. The inside is lined in West of England cloth making the rear quarters snug when in the up position.
The lusty 3 litre engine is cast in two separate block & starts redilt pulling strongly. Indeed it is considerably quicker then the last one of these we had & perfroms well but is unlikey to win many races. On a B road at 40mph is where it is most happy. The car performs all around extremely well & clearly has had the right money lavished upon it to keep it in tip top order. The car sits on newish beaded edge straight sided tyres with a side mounted spare. A rather nice Period RAC badge numbered D1499 adorns the radiator.
A custom trailer built to transport the car is also available.
http://www.vintagerollsroycecars.com/sales/1875/1912-wolesley-16-20-open-drive-all-weather-cabriolet/
1912 Wolseley 15/60 16/60 /20 Open Drive all weather Cabriolet. is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Grays by Vintage Prestige for Not priced.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Wolseley Model : 15/60 16/60 Model Version : /20 Open Drive all weather Cabriolet. Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1912 Sub type : Convertible Location : Essex
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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.