Description
TODAY at Martin Howey Classics (Est. 26 years), we are proud to offer for sale a 1955 Wolseley 4/ 44. The 4/ 44 is an iconic 1950s saloon and much sought after today. But let me tell you something of its history. A lady bought it new in January 1955 and kept it until until January 1987. She covered 64, 000 during those 32 years and EVERY SINGLE journey the Wolseley ever made with her at the helm is recorded in the vehicle's history. Every journey, no matter how small. To Auntie's, to the village, to Church, to Southport, Grange, Preston and sometimes even further. EVERY gallon petrol. EVERY mile covered. EVERY gallon of petrol and every service, oil change, parts, tyres etc. Nothing escape her.
Towards the end of her ownership she writes, probably tearfully and with her handwriting by now not as sharp as it was in 1995: "End of 28th year. Another poor driving year. Only 228 miles. Very costly keeping my car but I don't want it go yet."
Then a little later she writes: "End of 30 years. Poorest mileage ever. Now becomes a vintage car."
And finally she notes in January 1987: "Run around district by Mr G. Eastwood. Car sold to Mr G. Eastwood. Total mileage 64, 083."
In 1988, the car was polished and put away in a garage. It next emerged in 2018 as a "barn find." Photos in the enormous and ridiculously heavy file show it in that state. It was indeed a barn find. So, then it underwent restoration work which included a full bare metal respray and the re-chroming of what appears to be all chrome. I have never seen such superb chrome on a 4/ 44, especially the chrome along the sides of the car which is nearly always poor.
Today, it has covered just short of 68, 000 with maybe only 25 miles or so covered since all the work in 2018. It's a delightful old girl with lovely 1250cc XPag engine. Her interior has a lovely patina to the leather and the wooden dash in excellent. The carpets are clearly as old as the car and yet they still exist.
What a car. What a car history as well as social history. I just love it.
This description is based on my opinion of the vehicle, the paperwork that comes with the car and anything I have been told about it. The vehicle is 71-years-old and this cannot be taken as a definitive statement for obvious reasons. As with most classic cars, there may be faults and quirks whilst, almost inevitably, some degree of tinkering and care will always be called for. Such are the joys of owning an antique vehicle and they must be taken within their own context and not compared to modern day cars. They are sold as old, mainly out-dated machines and come without any comeback whatsoever. They are my terms and conditions.
The phrase "classic car" is, in my opinion, quite often misunderstood. Several decades ago - let's say in the 70s - what we now refer to as classics were called "old bangers." There was vintage and veteran, but they were generally of the Edwardian era and reserved for events like the world famous London to Brighton run.
Now, some people make the mistake of thinking a classic car is a vehicle which has been restored to its former glory at great expense or is perhaps a rare survivor that has been locked away in a heated garage and never driven.
No. Call them whatever you wish, but they are old cars. Ancient cars. Relics, antique vehicles.
They come in all shapes and sizes and, more importantly, in all conditions. Warts and all. Some are in a state of poor repair needing time, love and money lavishing on them; others are projects. Quite a large percentage are in reasonable condition and can be driven. But, due to their age, they will need ongoing work and attention.
Panels and paint suffer along with engines, running gear and structure. Please do not compare them to your three-year-old BMW!
A 6k "classic" cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, be as good as the same make and model offered at 12k. Think about it. They need to be taken on board much like family pets. Be prepared for the heartache, the problems that beat you and the cost of it all. But, most importantly, be prepared for the joy that driving a classic car brings you. If you can let that over-ride everything else, then you are the right person to buy what is now widely referred to as a classic car!
I have now been established as a one-man band classic car dealer for 26 years and pride myself on my buying prowess and - due to small margins - my prices which I firmly believe are up there among the very best in the UK classic car marketplace.
Thanks, Martin. the details below
