Description
Registered on 1st August 1972, this early and original Wolseley Six came into my ownership in 2008 at 30k miles. She is now showing 57k. She is a rare manual with no PAS model.
She, named Hilda by the last owner, really is a very rare survivor indeed, after originally being found to be destined for banger racing, but was far to solid and original for that fate. Painted in midnight blue with a luxurious recently upgraded full leather interior this charming car really needs to be seen to be believed.
Hilda has had regular services over my 15 years of ownership and has never ever let me down. Over the years she has travelled faultlessly to France many times including a long trip to Alsace.
Body wise Hilda is good. The majority of the paint is original and shines amazingly after a good Swissoil wax, but it is not pristine as the years have given a degree of patina. The doors appear to have had minor repairs to door bottoms before my ownership and are showing some bubbles again. There are a couple of minor dents on the wing and the roof (no idea how that one appeared) and a couple of minor rust blebs starting to come through near one of the headlamps. Along with the full leather retrim to the seats, the carpet has been replaced with a luxurious wool version in keeping with the Wolseley marque. Structurally Hilda is all original having never had any welding and requiring none. A testament to the heavy clear waxoyling treatment she once received.
Running wise, the engine is very lusty and smooth, being a noticeable improvement over 1800 models. She runs happily all day at 60 mph or so but does smoke a little if you rush along at 80mph on the motorway and then can consequently use some oil. The brakes and suspension all work well, but the steering rack needs a new bush as there is an annoying rattle from the passenger side. Bushes are now available on ebay, but I do have a reconditioned rack from the landcrab spares secretary that I am willing to include in the sale. The radiator has been upgraded with a new uprated core.
I have owned Hilda for over 14 years, and it is a reluctant sale owing to a change in circumstances. In the last two years she has been out for a monthly local run, and to the Gaydon and Milton Keynes BL shows only.
I have priced Hilda to reflect that she is not concourse, but she is very presentable. Rarely do cars come along with the originality that this car does. With a little time and effort, she could be amazing. Recent excellent ones of these have sold for £10k!
I would welcome any test drive and would ideally like her to go to a fellow enthusiast who will lavish her with the care and attention Hilda deserves. Over the years I have accumulated some useful spares, which are negotiable in the sale.
Any inspection welcomed and encouraged. I am based in High Wycombe; just off junction 4 of the M40. Any questions, please ask away.
