Wolseley Other 1919
General description :
1919 Wolseley 16/20hp Five-seat TourerChassis no. 27182Registration no. XC 5602Engine no. 130A244S
Vintage and Prestige Fine Motor Cars are proud to be offering this 1919 Wolseley 16/20hp Five Seat Tourer for sale. A charming Edwardian Wolseley in good running order. The Wolseley has superb patination throughout. As pioneers in the field of the motor car development in the United Kingdom, Wolseley built their first four wheel motor car as early as 1899, their technical design initially being steered by Herbert Austin.
In the years preceding the Great War, Wolseley became part of the mighty ‘Vickers Sons & Maxim’ empire and their top of the range six-cylinder models vied with the likes of Napier, Rolls-Royce and Lanchester for a share of the lucrative British luxury car market and finding favour with Royalty.
The Wolseley 16/20 hp model was a four cylinder car introduced before the War, offering refined engineering and handsome factory built coachwork. Transmission was via a four speed gearbox and, combined with the 3,069cc engine gave the Wolseley particular appeal to the Colonial market where reliability on long distance trips in remote areas was so essential.
The 1914-1918 hostilities saw Wolseley facilities switched to the manufacture of trucks and aircraft engines, however post-war years saw the Wolseley 16/20hp and 24/30 hp cars once again leaving the production lines. Coachwork on the post-war Wolseley 16/20hp followed a new smooth line from bonnet to scuttle flowing comfortably into the spacious and comfortable five seat body, surely one of the most handsome mid-range cars of its era.
Clean and tidy under the bonnet, the engine blocks are cast as a pair of twin cylinder items making up the four cylinder motor. It starts readily, pulls strongly and runs quietly.
XC 5602 dates from those immediate post-war years and is most handsomely presented in dark green livery with black wings and ‘Rudge-Whitworth’ wire wheels, the mahogany door capping’s adding a pleasing Edwardian flavour. It is equipped with a two-piece, folding, mahogany framed windscreen and further weather protection is afforded by the cream hood. The high quality fittings are nickel throughout and the Wolseley is furnished with black buttoned leather upholstery.
The dash board has a good set or period instruments including the ubiquitous Charles A Vanderveld (C.A.V.) switch plate made in Acton Vale.
This is a large imposing tourer with a delightfully period look and well suited to picnics, day trips and family summer jaunts.
http://www.vintagerollsroycecars.com/sales/767/1919-wolseley-16-20hp-five-seat-tourer/
1919 Wolseley Other is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Grays by Vintage Prestige for £40000.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Wolseley Model : Other Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1919 Sub type : Truck 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.