Highlights
- Dry stored in container during winter, moved to garage in summer
- Mostly original example with roadworthy adjustments completed
- Mechanically sound and well-running pre-war vehicle
The Appeal
The Wolseley Motor company originated in or around 1895, when Herbert Austin, currently employed with the Wolseley Sheep Shearing Company, took up a keen interest in automobiles and engines. With a few failed attempts to create a vehicle which could sell well to the public, he eventually began to gain traction in 1901, but by then the company itself had changed hands. In 1905, Herbert Austin resigned and went on to develop the Austin Motor Company in 1905; a name more commonly heard today. The Wolseley Motor Company as known today came about in 1914, and began to grow immensely selling upscale motor cars, being a favourite of Britain’s middle class as well as the police. In 1935, Wolseley was purchased and made a subsidiary of the Morris Motor Company, after some financial trouble in the late ‘20s and early ‘30s,
This particular Wolseley is a 1936 Series II Super Six 16, is reportedly one of two-or-three remaining roadworthy Super Six 16s left in existence according to the Wolseley Club, UK. Having been produced for just over a year, the Series II Super Six were replaced by the Series III vehicles in 1937, with the Series II phasing out of production in 1938. This Super Six 16 came equipped with an overhead valve 2,062cc straight six engine producing around 16hp. Still displaying its original brown leather seats and inlaid wood furnishings, it is a real survivor and is in excellent condition today.
The History and Paperwork
- Not much is known about the early history of this Wolseley, but documentation shows it had made its way to Ireland, from where it was imported back to the UK in 2008
- Full restoration completed by previous owners to a very high standard in 2012 to 2013 including below:
- Bare metal repaint in ivory over black
- New floors and carpet
- All brightwork rechromed
- Reconditioned radiator and fuel tank
- Brake system overhaul
- Carburettor stripped and rebuilt
- New coil and fuel pump
- Indicators and hazard lights fitted (Lucas)
- Refurbished ‘sliding head’ soft cover
- Full engine rebuild in 2015 totalling £6,390 with detailed invoice, less than 1,000 miles driven since
- Since restoration, vehicle was used as a wedding hire vehicle
- MOT exempt but last passed in 2012 with some advisories which have been rectified in restoration
- Current V5c
- Original instruction manual comes with sale
- Invoices for maintenance parts and labour present—no expenses spared on upkeep
The Interior
- Interior in overall excellent condition with only minor signs of wear in 87 years of service
- Original leather front seats in excellent condition, with only minor signs of age
- Carpets in like-new condition
- Steering wheel in good usable condition, with small area of breakage as pictured
- Dashboard in near perfect condition, with original but refurbished wood inlays present
- Owner states all electronics in working order
- Buttons and switches all in top condition
- Non-original gear shifter knob present but in good usable condition
- Headlining in excellent, clean condition
- Spare tire carrier present and in terrific condition
The Exterior
- Exterior in terrific condition overall
- Bright and unique Ivory and black paintwork shines, exudes class in combination with the brightwork
- Small area of blistering occurring on driver’s side bonnet cover corner right behind grille, barely noticeable
- Some small scuffs and marks in paint present, only noticeable from close, see photos, could be improved with a polish
- Trim, rubbers, and seals all in excellent condition, no reports of any leaking
- Reportedly original glass in excellent condition with some normal use marks present but not detracting from the overall appearance
- Light lenses in near perfect condition, with no signs of fading or cloudiness present
- Wing lights and taillights modified to introduce amber indicators
- Trafficators present but not functional, converted to indicators for usability and safety
- The wheels are in like-new condition, with no curb rash present, and rare rim embellishers still present
- Exterior ‘sliding head’ soft top in overall terrific condition, having been refurbished in 2013
- Door mirrors non-original
- Tires still show plenty of tread
- Running boards rebuilt with new rubber and chrome
- Underside in better-than-expected condition for the age, with some surface corrosion seen and some rust seen on the suspension leaf springs, see photos
- Light-up front emblem functional and bright
- ‘Flying W’ in excellent condition for age, shines brightly
The Mechanics
- Owner states the vehicle drives, handles, and stops exactly as it should, and better than expected for the age of the car
- Engine bay in clean and tidy appearance, exceptional condition for age
- All labels and stickers present and most in good condition
- Overhead valve 2,062cc straight six engine with twin SU carburettors producing around 16hp
- Owner states there is no known work to be addressed, everything ready to be driven and enjoyed
Summary
Here’s a real rare one that’s in excellent mostly-original and restored condition, with flawless service history and in an exciting period colour combination that you’re sure to fall in love with. On top of that, its owner states it’s fully mechanically sound and ready to be driven! The current and previous owners have taken really great care of it over its 87 years in service; you can tell there’s been a real respect and genuine love for the vehicle throughout their ownerships. If you’re in the market for a pre-war cruiser, this one is calling for you by name.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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