Descripción
Here we have a Wolseley 15/ 50, the model which replaced the ageing 4/ 44 in 1956. This is a 1957 example.
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 light blue with beige leather interior is basically very sound. But, that said, she is not a 6 or 7k example. Perhaps around ten years or so ago, she looked top notch. Now she is looking tired. I feel sorry for her, although the bulk of her bodywork is all metal and nowhere near beyond the bounds of being tidied up and painted. Floors, including the boot, are all there.
Actually, her engine bay is in amazing condition and still looking fresh in body colour. Another huge bonus is the fact that she sounds ever so sweet and has the feel of a good old fashioned "oily rag" of a car that would probably be perfectly happy to be eased into regular use. She deserves to be used and improved and she also warrants time and money being spent on her as she can undoubtedly be returned to her former glory by a loving owner. The dashboard top is missing ( no idea, so please don't ask).
She has excellent oil pressure, starts on the button and performs admirably. Rare, great looks designed by the pen of the late, great Gerald Palmer and an all round eye-catching classic.
She's a sweet old thing and in the kind of condition "old cars" used to be in before the arrival of the classic car scene in a big way around 40 years ago. But, as with all my classics, please don't think I am going to sell you a 6k car for 3k. I mean, why would I? As I say, she is by no means a rotten car. Far from it and drives and stops extremely well. In my opinion, the worst bits to the naked eye are the door check areas that sit above the sills. The sills themselves seem ok. There's surface rust in those door checks (steps) probably caused by lack of use and moisture just sitting in there. I would say that two of them just have surface rust and the other two would want some small pieces of metal letting in. She's work in progress. She is a driveable project.
All my classic cars are treated as the equivalent of motoring antiques. This one, for example, is 63-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, you found a hole that needed welding 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. If taking on a piece of antique motoring history - thereby doubtless letting yourself in for a share of the good, the bad and ugly - is not for you, then perhaps you ought to opt for a modern-day vehicle
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).
