Description
Introduced in 1957, the Wolseley 1500 and Riley 1. 5 shared the same compact three box styling and Morris Minor derivative floorpan, powered by a 1489cc OHV B-Series engine. Remaining in production until 1965 (series 1, 2 and 3), some 93, 000 Wolseley 1500s were made. Fairly rare on the road today but with a good spares network and excellent and well supported Wolseley Club.
This series 1, registered Oct 1957, was bought by the current owner in Feb 2020 from a dealer. Only 5 owners since new, with a recorded 41890 miles. This can be verified back from 1988 through the vehicle history vehicle file which includes extensive service and background from that date and including 24 MoT certificates; the vehicle was laid up for the missing years. Current MoT is from 4 Jun 2025, no advisories.
The second owner (1988) was told that the vehicle was originally exported by an ex-pat to Malayia till its return to the UK in 1988 when gifted to the owner’s gardener, and there is no history for that earlier period. I bought the vehicle as a retirement adventure (on the cusp of COVID) as a long-term retirement adventure. But a change in circumstance is forcing a reluctant sale (loss of my garage). This is a solid car with no MOT advisories (Jun 2025) following work over the previous 5 years of current ownership, much of which the vehicle was off-road undergoing maintenance. Engine starts on the button and runs sweetly and the vehicle drives and stops as it should. It is a charming and characterful car that generates smiles wherever it goes. There could be further improvement to condition of course but overall is good. The carpet set is original and therefore worn (I like that patina). The paint work has minor blemishes and cracks but still looks great and the chrome polishes up well but is aged. Underside is solid following significant repair. Sold with a range of general spares and several specific bench tools.
Aside from full servicing, work undertaken during my tenure includes:
- Engine out, engine bay refurbishment.
- Maintenance and professional welding repairs to: LHS fwd chassis leg; fwd cross member; LHS outer sill.
- New: Fuel pump; 5-way brake union; all copper pipes and flexi hoses forward of the rear axle; battery; 2 rear brake cylinders; cooling system pipes where needed.
- Gearbox and rear axle oil changed Nov 2024 (41850 miles).
- Clutch, flexi hose anchor bracket relocated.
- Both front seat frames professionally weld repaired and re-upholstered (leather); rear bench (original) leather cleaned and treated.
Furthermore, the crankshaft was reconditioned at 37900, fuel tank replaced at 40381; engine head and carburettor were reconditioned at 40398; engine was reconditioned to unleaded spec at 41153 miles with new clutch and stainless-steel exhaust. The vehicle has been converted to negative earth and has electronic ignition. Also resprayed in the original yukon grey at some point and the paint remains in a good condition.
