Highlights

Incredibly rare model produced for only two years
Great example of a very early British Police vehicle
Well presented in good honest form

The Appeal

At one point, the biggest motor manufacturer in Britain. Wolseley certainly garnered themselves a substantial reputation throughout the 1920s and 30s and were responsible for some impressive and highly significant models throughout their time.

Perhaps one of the lesser known models to roll off of the Wolseley forecourt was the Wasp, an exceedingly rare car produced for just two years between 1935 and 1936 it stood as a solid improvement and replacement for the Riley Nine with an uprated engine and easy clean wheels. The Wasp was an entirely well built model and as such, many found a life being used in a policing capacity.

This early 1935 Wasp is a model that found itself in just such a life and stands today as a wonderful homage to the police cars of days gone by. Presenting in charming honest form still boasting its simple, rather rudimentary police equipment, it lends itself rather well to a life on hire for period film work or perhaps as a historical show piece.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 07/06/1935
As we understand the car was utilised by the West Riding Police force for much of its life
After use we believe it was at least partially decommissioned from police use and sold into private ownership before being purchased by a collector who re fitted the police equipment and took it to shows
The current vendor purchased the car with the intent to use for film work but a change of plans means they are now looking to move the wasp on to a new loving home
Accompanied by a selection of invoices and general servicing history
An original Wolseley Wasp instruction manual is also present
Comes with a comprehensive set of previous MOT certificates
Due to its age and historic status the Wasp is both tax and MOT exempt
V5 registration document with the vehicle
Dry stored throughout current ownership

The Interior

High quality, honestly presented interior space
Good quality brown leather seating front and rear, with minimal signs of wear to be seen, just a gentle patina in places
Well upholstered brown door panels on all four rear hinged doors, boasting quality leather and subtle chrome embellishments
Pull cord “police stop” sign present and situated at the rear window
Brass fire extinguisher situated in the cabin
Wooden dash panel in great presentable form
Neat selection of gauges and dash mounted switchgear, presented well with a general honest patina
Well preserved three spoke steering wheel
Plush brown carpeting throughout
Impressively sized cabin with large rear section for passengers, or arrested criminals
Interior trim looks to be of a great standard throughout

The Exterior

Charming little car from an aesthetic perspective, standing today in well preserved honest order
External police features still present including roof mounted police signage and bell
Quality black, police issue colour scheme
Complemented with subtle red coach lines
Paintwork is of a generally good standard, exhibiting with a gentle patina commensurate with age throughout
The finish to the front and rear wings and adjoining running boards does having some more notable flawing
Winkworth chrome bell mounted on the front bumper
Exterior chrome trim is of a presentable standard, standing in a similar gently worn form to the rest of the bodywork
Four black “easy clean” steel wheels with chrome centre caps reside at ground level, a characteristic of the Wasp

The Mechanics

1140cc four cylinder engine
Stands today in great overall mechanical order
Engine and surrounding engine bay are of a good clean standard
The vendor reports that the car fires into life quickly and comfortably
A good driving experience is said to be provided by the Wasp, with solid power delivery and smooth, crisp gear changes
Underside appears clean and solid throughout

Summary

The Wolseley Wasp is an undeniably charming and exceedingly rare little car and, in this honest, highly original form, is a wonderful piece of Wolseley and British police history.

The Wasp holds great potential for its next owner, lending itself perfectly to life as a period film and TV car or as a privately used show piece. It's in great overall order and is sure to bring much enjoyment to its next loving custodian.

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