1934 Wolseley Hornet Special – Classified of the Week

Believe it or not there’s a connection between this 1934 Wolseley Hornet and the ’68 Mini Cooper that we featured as last week’s Classified of the Week, but can you guess what it is? Aside from them both being British of course. Well, the clued up among you will no doubt be aware that the name Wolseley Hornet doesn’t just apply to the pre-war six-cylinder cars, like the one we have available here from vintage and classic car specialist Robin Lawton, produced by Wolseley Motors Limited between 1930 and 1936. It was also the name given to a somewhat upmarket badge-engineered Mini from BMC, too. You can keep that one in your back pocket just in case it ever comes up at your local pub quiz. You’re welcome.

Even though this Wolseley Hornet is not a Mini, it’s six-cylinder engine was very much thought of as equally diminutive. The tiny 12hp, single overhead cam inline engine may have been wee but that didn’t stop the Hornet from being a massive success. Originally offered with 1,271cc displacement and in either saloon, coupé or open two-seater guise, the Hornet was a lively performer but the car would evolve over its six year production run, blossoming into a rather elegant and handsome machine, especially in the hands of the various coachbuilders who would provide their own, sexier bodies.

In 1932, Wolseley would specifically offer a standard Hornet chassis that could be supplied to said coachbuilders for special bodywork. These ‘Specials’ featured twin SU carburettors over the standard car’s single unit and could easily achieve speeds of 65mph. The cars proved popular, none more so than those adorned with sportier bodies – a particular favourite being those built using Wolseley dealer Eustace Watkins ‘Daytona’ bodies, as is the case with our example.

At the time of the Hornet’s release, Eustace Watkins, located in upmarket Chelsea, was the London main dealer for Wolseley cars and as soon as they clapped eyes on Wolseley’s latest model the potential was immediately apparent. Joining forces with coachbuilder Whittingham and Mitchel, who happened to be just down the road, the pair would begin to produce bespoke versions of the Hornet, known as Wolseley Hornet E.W. Daytona Specials, the styling of which became a bit of a standard to which other coachbuilders would draw inspiration.

Later versions of the Hornet Special benefited from larger, 1.6-litre engines that produced 14 horsepower and that’s exactly what we have here. This convertible four-seater was the second ever 14hp chassis built and was the very car that Wolseley exhibited at the Olympia Motor Show in October 1934. Hashtag provenance…

Meticulously restored, the car presents impeccably today. The jet black paint job enhances the sleek lines of that Daytona bodywork and it’s all beautifully complimented by an understated yet elegant tan interior. The car drives just as good as it looks, too, thanks to a recent full engine rebuild, ensuring that this turn key classic is ready to be enjoyed immediately by its next privileged owner.

There can be some trepidation when considering a classic of this vintage but the same six-cylinder engine was fitted to the F, L, K and N type MGs, meaning there’s plentiful parts supply. Not only that but they’re also reliable and incredibly easy to work on, too. There’s decent club support as well with the likes of the Wolseley Register – a great bunch who are on hand to help should you need them.

These charming, pretty sports tourers are nimble, well-balanced and exude a level of grace and elegance that few cars of the period can match, especially when it comes to the E.W. Daytona Specials. This particular example is an incredibly attractive proposition with excellent provenance, so why not pay Robin Lawton a visit and see it in the flesh? With over 50 years experience they certainly know a thing or two when it comes to British classic and vintage motors. We reckon it won’t take much convincing once you’re sitting behind the wheel…