Description
Wolseley 21/ 60 County Saloon (1934): A Superia Post Vintage Classic
Wolseley Motors Limited was a British motor vehicle manufacturer founded in 1901 by Vickers Armaments in conjunction with Herbert Austin. It made a full range of cars topped by the larger luxury saloon and the company dominated the Edwardian era.
Never knowingly oversold the contemporary Wolseley sales literature of 1934 describes the 21/ 60 County as a car “dignified in appearance and magnificent in performance”. Power came from the tried and tested Wolseley 2677cc straight six engine and the saloon was aimed squarely at the “upmarket” owner driver – the rear seat on our car even has the original cigar lighter (on the passenger side so that the gentleman could assist the lady out onto the pavement) and powder puff. This is simply a car from an age of style and romance!
At Milestones we like to keep a small stock of good quality, well priced pre/ post war cars for our discerning customers. Jamie and I were therefore delighted when we were approached by the owner of the Wolseley and asked to assist him with the downsizing of his collection of classic cars.
The first owner, Mr Cornish-Brown, purchased the 21/ 60 in 1934 and it passed to the second custodian, Mr Archibold Gullett, Headmaster of Banchory Secondary School in 1937. He lived next door to the school and the car was stored on blocks every winter and he only used the Wolseley during summer months including an annual trip to Devon, his home county, to see family and friends. There are two original pictures in the history folder recording one of these trips.
The car passed to Archibald’s nephew, Dr Myron Hampton during the 1970’s and was stored on blocks (the same ones) until the mid-1980’s when the car came to Emsworth and was recommissioned on the south coast.
The last owner invested substantially in the car including a complete engine rebuild, reupholstering of the seats in (period correct) saddle brown leather, new chestnut wool carpets & floorboards, roof lining etc. A nice touch is that the original 1930’s Brooks rear travel trunks have been retained and look fantastic with just the right patina.
Mechanically the Wolseley has been well maintained in recent years, starts on the button and drives very well – the smooth engine has lots of torque, brakes are good and steering remarkably true (for a 1930’s saloon).
The interior is lovely with all the original styling retained during refurbishment. Entering is simply like stepping back in time to a more refined era.
The history file contains original RF60 buff logbook, pictures of the car with Mr Gullett, written history of the car, contemporary literature/ road tests, old MOT’s etc. etc….
We have used the Wolseley for the local village shop/ pub run with the front screen open & sunroof back. She is a lovely post-vintage classic that is perfect for someone looking for a very capable car to use for days out-and-about with family and friends.
Viewing is strongly recommended.
