National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham
The Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, with Discovery, was held across four halls at the NEC. As one of over 170 car clubs exhibiting, the Wolseley Register occupied a comfortably-sized stand in Hall 5. Show organisers have confirmed that all previous records were broken with over 28,800 attendees across the three-day show.
Four exhibits made up the Register’s display – 3 cars currently undergoing restoration and a static engine display. None of the cars are yet running under their own steam so all had been transported to the Show by their owners. Each exhibit attracted much interest and the owners were pleased to discuss their projects with fellow-members and the visiting public. The 1500 had some work undertaken on it during the weekend and a rolling slide show of images of each exhibit’s restoration was played throughout the Show.
THE STAND EXHIBITS:
1939 Wolseley Series III 12/48:
Owned by a local Register Member who has been undertaking a dedicated restoration of the vehicle over the last 5 years. The car is well on the way to being in a roadworthy condition. A full photographic history of the restoration was presented at the Show.
1958 Wolseley 1500 Mk I:
This vehicle was last on the road in 1991 and has recently been acquired by the current owner. The majority of the vehicle is now stripped down and it is hoped that the car can be fully restored. Work needed includes: a full brake replacement; significant repair to front wings and front panel; replacement sills and suspension rebuild. Work undertaken at the Show consisted of the rebuilding of the front torsion bar suspension.
1969 Wolseley Hornet Mk III Automatic:
Recently acquired project being undertaken by an experienced Register Member who takes great care and pride in restoring and maintaining his fleet of Wolseleys. Prior to being taken on by the local Register Member, the car had sustained significant fire damage to the rear. In just 9 months, the new owner has fitted a new boot floor, new wheel-arches and inner wings, new back bulkhead and new floor from heel board to front bulkhead. It is hoped to complete the project within the next 12 months.
Sectional Engine & Gearbox:
This 6/110 engine and gearbox was professionally sectioned so that all internal moving parts can be seen. A fantastic display piece, originally used by a technical college to demonstrate how all the engine parts work with each other.
Club merchandise was on sale and stand personnel fielded many technical questions from visitors. Register Members were also exhibiting on other stands at the Show:
The Wolseley Register was proud to have been shortlisted for one of the 2019 National Club Awards in respect of the club’s Spring 2019 Tour of the North York Moors. We will be applying for a stand at next year’s Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, with Discovery, taking place 27-29 March 2020.