10th-12th November 2023 at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham B40 1NT.
The new WOLSELEY light box lit the way for visitors to the Wolseley Register club stand in Hall 3 at this year’s Classic Motor Show. As the end of season finale to the classic motoring year, the Show once again spanned 6 Halls and welcomed almost 72,000 visitors across the 3 public open days. The Wolseley Register stand shared an island with the Riley Motor Club and the 6/80 & MO Oxford & Cowley Club. The displays complemented each other with Wolseley Register Members exhibiting a Gerald Palmer-designed Riley Pathfinder and a Police Livery Wolseley 6/80.
Four Wolseley cars from across the product range were displayed:
1934 WOLSELEY NINE – ANW 197
The Wolseley Nine was introduced in 1934 as a smaller, four-cylinder companion car to the larger Hornet. Factory-produced Nines consisted of four door saloons with a small boot, featuring a sliding sunroof and pneumatic cushioned seats. It was replaced by the Wolseley Wasp before the new range was introduced of what became known as the “Series” cars.
This Wolseley Nine has been owned for many years by a local club member, who also has another one in red! Both cars featured in “The Land Girls” TV series a few years ago. This model was one of the first to sport the iconic Wolseley Ghost Light which was introduced in 1933 and the illuminated radiator badge has now uniquely identified the Wolseley grille on all models for 90 years.
1957 WOLSELEY 1500 Mk I – ULB 708
This example of the most popular post-war Wolseley model was acquired by a local family in 2017. It was taken over by the present owner in 2019 when his brother sadly passed away, and as a tribute to him, has been lovingly restored to a very high standard.
The body was professionally restored and the current owner has restored or replaced the engine, electrics, interior, brightwork, wheels and brakes. The car was originally supplied with a Yukon grey body with grey/green interior but is now finished in two tone Burgundy/Old English White.
1956 WOLSELEY 6/90 Series I – 571 HMF
The Wolseley Six-Ninety was introduced at the October 1954 Motor Show, designed by Gerald Palmer (of Jowett Javelin & MG Magnette fame) as a replacement for the Six-Eighty. The model is closely related to the Riley Pathfinder and being the last of the four Gerald Palmer designed Wolseleys, was the final Nuffield Wolseley.
This cherished example has been owned by a long-standing club Member for a dozen years, having previously been in Ireland.
1969 WOLSLEY 1300 Mk II – MBM 715G
The Mk II Wolseley 1300 was produced from 1968 until 1973 as a successor to the original Wolseley 1100 model which had replaced the 1500 series from late 1965. This example is presented in maroon and sports an olive leather VDP interior.
Many Wolseley Register Members and visitors from Norway, France, Germany, Scotland and Ireland were welcomed to the stand where Officers and exhibiting Members were on hand throughout the Show to answer technical or other queries about the Wolseley marque.
Thanks to all who helped set up and man the stand over the weekend. The Wolseley Register will be present at the Practical Classics Restoration Show from 22-24 March 2024 and will be applying for a club stand at the Classic Motor Show to be held from 8-10 November.
