Highlights

Fully restored with accompanying photos and paperwork
Very good to excellent condition overall
'Trinity' model meaning 3 possible configurations
VSCC eliigible

The Appeal

Wolseley is a name that was extremely well known during the 20th century, for many years they were an automotive powerhouse of England. The Hornet Special is a fine example of Wolseley's engineering prowess, especially a Meredith Trinity variant. With the original Hornet proving popular, Wolseley decided to offer a sportier 'rolling chassis' with the Hornet Special. Customers were then able to choose their coach builder and engine configuration according to their needs.

Meredith was a popular choice for customers to carry out the coachbuilding whilst the trinity in the name refers to the 3 configuration options customers could make use of. These consist of an open top 4-seat, open top 2-seat and finally a closed top 4-seat configuration. The Hornet Special proved to be a popular choice for many looking to go racing in the 1930's. Today, the few that are left prove to be a fine reminder of Britain's automotive history.

The History and Paperwork

MOT until 02/03/2023 although it is MOT exempt
First registered 26/05/1933
Vehicle has been stored in a garage when not in use by current owner
Selling as surplus to requirements
Current owner is a Hornet enthusiast
Hydraulic braking system as standard (very advanced for the time)
Extensively restored over the last 13 years with paperwork and photos to support
Thorough service history dating back to the original lubrication chart from 1933
Noticeable areas of work during the restoration were; chassis, engine, rear quarters and boot, interior and hood as well as all mechanical systems
Well known vehicle within the Hornet Owners Club
Vehicle was featured in Automobile magazine in 2021
Spreadsheet included with the vehicle which details parts, dates and costs of all work that went into the restoration

The Interior

Black leather interior in excellent condition
Carpets in very good condition all around
Passenger window is stuck in the up position, this needs to be fixed in order to put the hood up
Hood appears to be in very good condition
All leather seats are in excellent condition and absent of any rips, tears or marks
Wooden dash in very good condition as well as the gauges
Door cards in excellent condition including the wooden trim
Parcel shelf (rear of back seats) in very good condition and painted to match the exterior
Mounting points for the hood in very good condition

The Exterior

Custom 'Jaguar mug green' cellulose paintwork in very good condition
Matching Blockley tyres with very good tread
Wheel locking nuts all in excellent condition and mirror polished
Wire spoke alloys in excellent condition
New hood was supplied by CS Upholsterers
All bulbs have been replaced with LED equivalents
Brightwork and badges in excellent to good condition, some badges appear to be original, adding to the appeal
Some very minor dents to the wheel arches and side steps
Spare wheel mounted to the boot, alloy, locking nut and Blockley tyre all in excellent condition
Bonnet louvres in very good condition on both sides
Underside very clean and tidy

The Mechanics

SOHC engine was also reconditioned during restoration with new rods from Farndon Engineering
Rebuilt engine head, valve seats re-cut and a WHSC club camshaft
Twin SU Carburettors
Gearbox and axle rebuilt by current owner
Dynamo has been converted to an electronic system with regulator box
Electric fan installed with thermostatic control
Hydraulic 12-inch drum brakes reported to work very well
Tachometer recalibrated in 2020
Smooth running engine absent of any knocking or bangs
Very clean and tidy engine bay with polished rocker cover stamped with 'Hornet Special'
Fire extinguisher conveniently mounted above the engine bulkhead

Summary

The Hornet Special was one of Britain’s earliest 'DIY' race cars. It allowed owners to purchase a rolling chassis that was proven to be quick and tailor it to their needs regarding the coachbuilding and engine choice. This example has been the recipient of a very tasteful specification and painstaking restoration.

The coach building work by Meredith exudes class which is in part thanks to the impressive restoration that this Hornet has undergone. With the current owner selling, now arises the opportunity to own not only an excellent but also a tasteful example of Wolseley's sporting classic!

Notice to bidders

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