1933 Meredith Trinity Wolseley Hornet Special
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Highlights
- Fully restored with accompanying photos and paperwork
- Very good to excellent condition overall
- 'Trinity' model meaning 3 possible configurations
- VSCC eliigible
The Appeal
Wolseley is a name that was extremely well known during the 20th century, for many years they were an automotive powerhouse of England. The Hornet Special is a fine example of Wolseley's engineering prowess, especially a Meredith Trinity variant. With the original Hornet proving popular, Wolseley decided to offer a sportier 'rolling chassis' with the Hornet Special. Customers were then able to choose their coach builder and engine configuration according to their needs.
Meredith was a popular choice for customers to carry out the coachbuilding whilst the trinity in the name refers to the 3 configuration options customers could make use of. These consist of an open top 4-seat, open top 2-seat and finally a closed top 4-seat configuration. The Hornet Special proved to be a popular choice for many looking to go racing in the 1930's. Today, the few that are left prove to be a fine reminder of Britain's automotive history.
Meredith was a popular choice for customers to carry out the coachbuilding whilst the trinity in the name refers to the 3 configuration options customers could make use of. These consist of an open top 4-seat, open top 2-seat and finally a closed top 4-seat configuration. The Hornet Special proved to be a popular choice for many looking to go racing in the 1930's. Today, the few that are left prove to be a fine reminder of Britain's automotive history.
The History and Paperwork
- MOT until 02/03/2023 although it is MOT exempt
- First registered 26/05/1933
- Vehicle has been stored in a garage when not in use by current owner
- Selling as surplus to requirements
- Current owner is a Hornet enthusiast
- Hydraulic braking system as standard (very advanced for the time)
- Extensively restored over the last 13 years with paperwork and photos to support
- Thorough service history dating back to the original lubrication chart from 1933
- Noticeable areas of work during the restoration were; chassis, engine, rear quarters and boot, interior and hood as well as all mechanical systems
- Well known vehicle within the Hornet Owners Club
- Vehicle was featured in Automobile magazine in 2021
- Spreadsheet included with the vehicle which details parts, dates and costs of all work that went into the restoration
The Interior
- Black leather interior in excellent condition
- Carpets in very good condition all around
- Passenger window is stuck in the up position, this needs to be fixed in order to put the hood up
- Hood appears to be in very good condition
- All leather seats are in excellent condition and absent of any rips, tears or marks
- Wooden dash in very good condition as well as the gauges
- Door cards in excellent condition including the wooden trim
- Parcel shelf (rear of back seats) in very good condition and painted to match the exterior
- Mounting points for the hood in very good condition
The Exterior
- Custom 'Jaguar mug green' cellulose paintwork in very good condition
- Matching Blockley tyres with very good tread
- Wheel locking nuts all in excellent condition and mirror polished
- Wire spoke alloys in excellent condition
- New hood was supplied by CS Upholsterers
- All bulbs have been replaced with LED equivalents
- Brightwork and badges in excellent to good condition, some badges appear to be original, adding to the appeal
- Some very minor dents to the wheel arches and side steps
- Spare wheel mounted to the boot, alloy, locking nut and Blockley tyre all in excellent condition
- Bonnet louvres in very good condition on both sides
- Underside very clean and tidy
The Mechanics
- SOHC engine was also reconditioned during restoration with new rods from Farndon Engineering
- Rebuilt engine head, valve seats re-cut and a WHSC club camshaft
- Twin SU Carburettors
- Gearbox and axle rebuilt by current owner
- Dynamo has been converted to an electronic system with regulator box
- Electric fan installed with thermostatic control
- Hydraulic 12-inch drum brakes reported to work very well
- Tachometer recalibrated in 2020
- Smooth running engine absent of any knocking or bangs
- Very clean and tidy engine bay with polished rocker cover stamped with 'Hornet Special'
- Fire extinguisher conveniently mounted above the engine bulkhead
Summary
The Hornet Special was one of Britain’s earliest 'DIY' race cars. It allowed owners to purchase a rolling chassis that was proven to be quick and tailor it to their needs regarding the coachbuilding and engine choice. This example has been the recipient of a very tasteful specification and painstaking restoration.
The coach building work by Meredith exudes class which is in part thanks to the impressive restoration that this Hornet has undergone. With the current owner selling, now arises the opportunity to own not only an excellent but also a tasteful example of Wolseley's sporting classic!
The coach building work by Meredith exudes class which is in part thanks to the impressive restoration that this Hornet has undergone. With the current owner selling, now arises the opportunity to own not only an excellent but also a tasteful example of Wolseley's sporting classic!
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1933
- Make Wolseley
- Model Meredith Trinity Hornet Special
- Colour Green
- Odometer 7,402 Miles
- Engine size 1271
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Wymondham
- Location Norfolk
- Country United Kingdom
30
bids
- st•••• £17,500 16/03/23
- ri•••• £17,000 16/03/23
- pa•••• £16,700 21/03/23
- ca•••• £16,500 16/03/23
- ri•••• £16,250 16/03/23
- ca•••• £16,000 16/03/23
- to•••• £15,750 16/03/23
- ca•••• £15,500 16/03/23
- to•••• £15,000 16/03/23
- Do•••• £14,750 16/03/23
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