The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show 2022 held at the NEC, Birmingham, was attended by more than 69,000 people across the 3 days. The Wolseley Register was one of around 300 classic car clubs represented at this event, which is traditionally the end of season finale to the classic motoring year and spanned 6 Halls. The theme for this year’s show was “Part of the Family” and the Wolseley Register vehicle exhibits included two generations of Hornet: a pre-war 1934 March-bodied Hornet Special and a post-war 1969 Front Wheel Drive Hornet Mark III. All the vehicle exhibits had participated in the Register’s 2022 Annual National Rally, the two Hornets being class winners. The 1973 Wolseley Six was the model used as the National Rally theme, 2022 being the 50th anniversary of the launch of that model. The owners of the 1955 Wolseley 4/44 had enjoyed their first National Rally as recently joined members and they won the 2022 “Spirit of the Rally” Award.
The four Wolseley cars on display all attracted much attention from the public and visiting club members:
1934 WOLSELEY MARCH HORNET SPECIAL– BLK 554
This car was originally coach built by Kevill Davies & March and completed continental tours including one to the Alps prior to World War II. Having undergone a ten-year restoration completed in 2012, it is now in excellent condition. The car was acquired earlier this year by a new custodian who has already completed over 1000 miles, during which the Wolseley has performed perfectly.
As well as being awarded the pre-1937 class winner at the 2022 Wolseley Annual National Rally this lovely example was also judged the overall “Best in Show” car by fellow rally-entrants.
1969 WOLSELEY HORNET MARK III – JRO 453G
Supporting the show theme of “Part of the Family”, this concours condition front wheel drive Hornet presented in Snowberry White is a fine example of the second generation of Wolseley Hornets. Also acquired by a new owner in 2022, the car underwent a full restoration in 2006 and now sports a full-width walnut dashboard.
1955 WOLSELEY 4/44 – ROX 795
2022 is the 70th anniversary of the introduction of the Gerald Palmer designed Wolseley 4/44 of which almost 30,000 were produced over the following 3 years. The owners of this example acquired it in 2021 when they joined the Wolseley Register.
The car is in good roadworthy condition and takes part in local activities.
1973 WOLSELEY SIX – NON 782M
The Wolseley Six was introduced in 1972 and this 1973 Damask Red example, now with a long-standing member, was previously owned by two former Chairman the Wolseley Register.
The car is in very good condition and regularly attends local and national club events.
DISPLAY OF MODEL WOLSELEY CARS
A unique fifth exhibit this year was presented by a new Register Member who displayed his collection of over 40 Wolseley model cars. The exhibit included some rare models and attracted much interest.
Many Wolseley Register members and members of the public were welcomed to the stand, with several new and re-joining members enrolling in the club.
Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show 2023
Next year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show will be held from 10-12 November, which the Wolseley Register has applied for as usual. Meanwhile, the Register will be at the Practical Classics Restoration Show at the NEC from 24-26 March 2023.
