This year’s Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show was well-attended, attracting similar numbers to 2025. The Wolseley Register stand welcomed many visitors and club members who admired the four very different models spanning pre- and post-war Wolseley production.
1935 WOLSELEY WASP 10 HP
This was the oldest example on the stand, being owned by a local Wolseley Register member since 2025. The car was presented in black and green bodywork, with green upholstery. The enthusiastic owner is undertaking restoration of the vehicle in order to get it ready for re-upholstering and trimming. During the Show, work was undertaken on overhauling the brakes and steering.
1959 WOLSELEY 1500 Mk I
This fine example of the most popular post-war Wolseley, the 1500, was driven over from Northern Ireland especially for the Show. The car is owned by the Northern Ireland representative for the Wolseley Register. During the show, the braking system was inspected and serviced, along with a fluid change. Work was also undertaken to renew front suspension bushes.
1965 WOLSELEY 24/80
The 24/80 was an Australian BMC model, only available within Australia and New Zealand. Bodily identical to the 15/60, it had a 6-cylinder 2.4 litre engine, made by BMC Australia, which was derived from the UK 16/60 engine. It is believed that only 3 or 4 24/80’s now exist in the UK.
This powder blue example has been owned for many years by a Register Member, having been imported from Australia by a former Vice President of the club. The owner enjoys using the car and often brings it to local and National events. The door seals received attention during the Show. The car was displayed with touring maps and brochures of Australia.
1970 WOLSELEY 18/85
A new local Wolseley Register Member was pleased to show this exhibit. Since acquiring the abandoned restoration project, the bodywork has been painted white and all the engine parts and interior are now awaiting reassembly.
The exhibits demonstrated the enthusiasm of both new and long-standing members to either restore Wolseleys to roadworthiness or to keep their vehicles running.
Several Wolseley Register members who also own other marques had exhibits on nearby club stands including a Riley Pathfinder, a Standard Ten and a pre-war Morris Minor.
Other Wolseleys at the Show included a pair of Crayford Hornets, a Wolseley 2200 “Wedge” and a Register Member’s 1934 Eustace-Watkins bodied Hornet Special, the Brooklands Autocraft restoration of which was being demonstrated on the neighbouring Wolseley Hornet Special Club stand.
Visitors and Members were able to seek technical advice on their own projects from the exhibitors and other club personnel. Wolseley-related merchandise sales were brisk and 3 new members enrolled over the weekend.
The Wolseley Register will be back at NEC for the Classic Motor Show from 13-15 November 2026 and will be applying for the 2027 Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show to be held from 19-21 March.