Beschreibung
Here we have a truly delightful Wolseley 15/ 50, the model which replaced the ageing 4/ 44 in 1956. This is an early example being a 1956 itself, and she is in super order.
The 15/ 50 was everything Wolseley was about. Refined, sleek, great looks, luxury fittings and so on. But this time around, stepping in as a replacement for the 4/ 44 with its 1250cc engine and column change, came a car with a 1500cc unit and a floor change. So, despite the fact that its sister car the MG Magnette - with all its sporting pretensions - came with twin carbs, the Wolseley had the same under the bonnet less one carb!
The Magnette was the sporty one. You know, the car that attracted the driver with flat cap, tweed jacket, string-backed driving gloves and probably a pipe. The Wolseley 15/ 50 was the refined one. More bank manager than bank robber; more solicitor than spiv!
They only made 12, 000 of these fine cars (compared to 30, 000 4/ 44s) and they are rarely offered for sale in today's classic marketplace.
This proud old girl in black with red interior is incredibly sound. In fact her underside has to be seen to be believed. She has a current MoT until June 2019 (even though she does not need a test any more) and that came with no advisories. So, you have complete peace of mind in that respect and I will attempt to show a photo of her underside taken in the past few days so that you can judge for yourself. Her body and paint work are really very good, save for a little blebbing to the paint on the offside rear door and a few minor scabs here and there. None of these are remotely structural and could be very easily improved by most owners with a bent for tinkering and improving. She looks stunning on the road, sitting so well and producing such an image of class.
To be fair, a great car. A lovely car. A car with a deep social history built into its file of old MoTs, bills, letters etc. MoT's going back more than 40 years - and so I don't think 80-odd thousand miles in 62 years is too drastic. Do you?
Just think of all those old black and white films (sorry I can't say movies, but that's because I don't live in America!) in which the Police car is always shrieking around the corner with bell ringing and the driver doing his utmost to keep up with a Mark 2 Jag. Well, you get the picture. Yes I used to go to "The pictures" too.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a lovely 15/ 50 with bags of punch and presence on the road and an eager floor change. Impressive leather interior and wooden dash completes the picture. Indeed her interior is stunning. Great leather, wood and a perfect headlining in the correct spec up-market cloth.
She has been with the same loving owner for the past 15 years, and only his own age has forced him to part with what is a fine example of the marque.
All my classic cars are treated as the equivalent of motoring antiques. This one, for example, is 62-years-old. They cannot be compared to the wife's six-month-old Chelsea tractor and they are bound to come with imperfections, quirks and bits and pieces that will need attention even if it is some time in the future. They do however come with oodles of charm, appeal and are there to be loved like a family pet. If you are new to the classic car scene, then please bear all this in mind. Most examples have clearly had work over the decades and I cannot predict how much or how little they will need in the future. That, I am afraid, is the nature of the beast in the world of classic cars. Motoring antiques is what they are. I love my Georgian dining table, but I can see all the scars and signs of previous woodworm. Had I wanted a brand new table, I would have gone to Oak Furniture Land. Well perhaps. Demand is outstripping supply these days and they don't make the old girls any more. So, make some allowances and drive away with a smile on your face. It goes with the territory, and therefore must be accepted, that they are always going to need on-going care, attention and repair. Don't tell me some way down the line that the full beam doesn't work or that you have discovered something I knew nothing about. They are bloody old. It happens. They come in and they go out. It seems as though I have become a "re-homer" of classic cars.
I accept all major debit cards and a ten per cent deposit is required at the point of sale with the balance due within three days. I can also assist with delivery and so please ask for a quote. Thanks for reading, Martin. the details below).
