in the early 1930s Wolseley was up there with MG, Riley and Frazer Nash at the front of the sports car grid, thanks in no small part to the Hornet – a car derived to have multiple bodies but of which a ‘Special’ chassis was offered specifically for sports car applications.
It also had Wolseley's incredible overhead-camshaft, six-cylinder engine, mounted in a lengthened Morris Minor chassis and equipped with hydraulic brakes. Its power-to-weight ratio was lively, smooth and flexible six pulling from walking pace to more than 60mph. The Special chassis came with 12-inch brakes and a remote-control gearshift, and was equipped with twin-carburettors and an oil cooler. A free-wheel transmission was a rare option.
A multitude of bodies was offered with this example being fitted with a Whittingham and Mitchell body inspired by the 1932 Eustace Watkins Daytona cars. It’s an achingly pretty car to look at, as well as a rare free-wheel model. A truly lovely thing that’s bound to attract some serious collector interest.
Although not over-restored, this is a car that has been finished to a very high standard and is in really good internal order, with smart green leather seats and excellent paler green carpets. The alloy dash is unmarked and all of the dials and gauges work in the manner they’re supposed to.
It’s clean and superbly presented, but not excessively shiny or over-detailed to retain a feel of originality. The balance is perfect: it’s a lovely car.
A similar story unfolds with the exterior, which is extremely smart and well-presented with no major flaws at all. It was restored in the 2000s and the finish is really good, with rich green paintwork, black wire wheels and a good quality black canvas hood with weather screens.
The chrome has been replated where necessary but restored where possible and as much of the original trim has been retained as possible, so there are some very minor flaws such as some crazing on the trafficators and the light-up Wolseley badge (which still illuminates) and a couple of very minor marks around the car, but overall it’s a sensational thing… and a very, very pretty one.
One of the most interesting things about the Hornet is its 1,271cc six-cylinder overhead cam engine. Small for a six, and very unusual for its era being an OHC. The unit develop around 55bhp and gives the Wolseley a top speed of around 80mph – impressive numbers for its day, especially in a lightweight sports car with performance that would easily rival any MGs or Frazer-Nashes of the day.
The car was in the process of being fully recommissioned by the vendor at the time of our photos, as it has been in storage for over a decade. He says that absolutely anything it needs mechanically, engine, brakes, steering, transmission or suspension-wise, will be attended to before the car is with its new owner.
This one also has the rare and desirable free-wheel option, sought after by Hornet Special aficionados.
Opportunities to buy a Hornet Special like this don’t arise very often, and this one is an absolute gem of a car in lovely, restored condition. It’s currently being fettled and will be fully recommissioned ready for its next owner, who will end up with a truly exquisite vintage sports car.
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.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
VAT will be added to the buyer’s deposit as applicable.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
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1934 Wolseley Hornet Special
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