Description
1933 Wolseley Hornet Special (2/ 4 seater)
Highly sought after iconic British Sportscar.
Wolseley Hornet Specials were provided by the factory in chassis form
only during the production period from 1931 to 1935. They were improved
versions of the Hornet saloon which was already being tuned by
enthusiastic owners but with bigger brakes (12” hydraulic), twin
carburettors, higher compression engine and remote gearchange the
Special had sporting success. There were over 100 different
coachbuilders world wide who clothed these chassis.
In classic British Racing Green livery, this 1933 example benefits from a full, concours-level, restoration from stem to stern with great attention to detail, by the fastidious former keeper.
The hand-shaped aluminium body panels are unmarked and perfect.
Flawless paintwork and shut lines. Expertly trimmed interior in Green to tone.
Re-chromed throughout.
The engine, 6 cylinder, overhead camshaft of 1271cc. has been rebuilt
With New Camshaft
Engine Re-lined with new Std Pistons
New Valve Guides and Valve Springs
Electric fan with thermostatic control
Other mechanical works included:-
New Road Springs and Spring Pivot Pins
18" Wire Wheels Re-spoked and Powder Coated
Dynamo Upgraded and Rebuilt - Electronic Conversion
Shock Absorbers Rebuilt
New Radiator Core
Electric Fan fitted.
To professionally restore a car to this show standard, think in excess of £75k!
It’s on the button ready to go, but as it has covered zero miles since completion, some running in, shake down miles are recommended prior to longer journeys.
This rare car is eligible for all VSCC events and rallies.
Car located in Lytham St Annes Lancs, Transport arranged at £1. 70 pr/ mile (one way only charged) For more info, call/ text John on tel nr above, anytime.
Comes with V5, Restoration invoices, Wolseley manuals, Starting handle, Fitted Tonneau cover. Badgebar with club badges, Valuable Number Plate - worth over £4, 000 included.
Marque Info
Introduced in 1930, the Hornet saloon deployed Wolseley's overhead-camshaft, six-cylinder engine in a lengthened Morris Minor chassis equipped with hydraulic brakes. Its power-to-weight ratio was exemplary among contemporary 1. 3-litre cars, the smooth and flexible six pulling from walking pace to more than 60mph. The model was revised for 1932 with a shortened, chain-driven overhead-cam engine (repositioned further forward to improve cabin space) and a four-speed 'silent third' gearbox.
Increased performance was offered by the Hornet Special chassis, which came with 12" brakes and remote-control gearshift. The Special used the shortened engine equipped with twin-carburettors and an oil cooler, in which form it produced 45bhp, good enough for a top speed, depending on coachwork, of around 75mph. The Special chassis rapidly became that of choice for the multitude of independent coachbuilders using the Hornet as the basis for a sporting two-seater.
The Hornet Special was soon making its mark in competitions, one noteworthy achievement being the victory achieved by a team of three Eustace Watkins Hornets (two E W Daytonas on the Special chassis, one E W International on the standard chassis) in the 1932 relay race at Brooklands at an average speed of 77. 57mph.
For 1934 the Hornet Special chassis was strengthened and changed to an under-slung arrangement at the rear, while the engine was given a new block and cross-flow cylinder head. The gearbox was updated with synchromesh on 3rd/ 4th gears. In 1935 Wolseley installed the New Fourteen's 1. 6-litre engine in a bid to counter the effects of increasingly heavy coachwork. Sadly, this would mark the end of Hornet Special development, the model being dropped at the end of 1935 when Morris rationalised its car production.
