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1500 Mark I – III

Wolseley 1500

By Wolseley Register member Dick Peters.

This is the big one!

In the Spring of 1957, Wolseley re-entered a sector of the market from which they had been absent since the war.  In April of that year, they introduced a ‘luxury compact’, which was to become the biggest selling model ever to bear the hallowed name.

Wolseley 1500 Mk1
1500 Mk1

Surprisingly, however, but fortuitously for BMC, the Wolseley 1500 was not originally conceived as such.  Designed around the Morris Minor chassis/floorpan and therefore benefitting from all the positive handling characteristics of that model, our subject was originally intended as a re-style of the Minor, but strong sales of the latter (the rest is history) led to a re-think, and the idea to launch what we might now term a small sports saloon, was born.

Wolseley 1500 Mk1
1500 Mk1
Wolseley 1500 Mk1
1500 Mk1

At first, the new car was to have a 1.2 litre version of the ‘B’ series engine, and, indeed 110 such cars were produced solely for the Republic of Ireland market (do any still exist?).  It was quickly realised, however, that this chassis could easily handle more power and henceforth, it was equipped with the 1500cc unit in its absolutely conventional form.  A single SU carburettor was provided, and with a low compression ratio (7.2:1), only 43bhp at 4,200 rpm was originally produced, although subsequent modifications raised this to 50 and 52 bhp by the end of the model’s run.  Contemporary adverts trumpeted ‘Twin-top’ Performance in their wording to re-create a 1930s concept which would appeal to traditional Wolseley buyers, and, indeed, the model’s ability to cruise at 60/70 mph is much appreciated by owners today.

Wolseley 1500 Mk2
1500 Mk2
Wolseley 1500 Mk2
1500 Mk2
Wolseley 1500 Mk2
1500 Mk2

The car had a neat and pleasing style; (leather) seating for four, attractive walnut veneer finish, good luggage space and excellent pace and performance for the era, and it sold very well. Apart, then, from an increase in tyre size, no noticeable changes were made until the introduction of the Mark II in the Spring of 1960.  These changes, however, were primarily cosmetic, with the boot and bonnet hinges being hidden and with the side chrome strip being altered.

Wolseley 1500 Mk2/3 Interior
1500 Mk2/3 Interior
Wolseley 1500 Mk3
1500 Mk3
Wolseley 1500 Mk3
1500 Mk3

A more noticeable change came with the advent of the Mk III in 1961 when a new front grille was introduced; the suspension was lowered; there was a new, more luxurious trim and revised colour schemes and new tail-lamp clusters. Disappointingly, however, our car never received the 1622cc version of the ‘B’ series engine, which many owners consider would have benefited the car considerably.

Wolseley 1500 Mk3
1500 Mk3
Wolseley 1500 Mk3 Interior
1500 Mk2/3 Interior

For Wolseley 1500 enquiries, ask a question on the forum

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Wolseley Register

4 days ago

Wolseley Register
The Resto Show returns to Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on Sunday 12 October 2025. The show will feature Classic Car Displays, Live Restoration Demonstrations, Trade Stands, Seminars, Workshops and an Autojumble. Free parking, easy access and discounted tickets when booked in advance via www.restoration-show.co.ukThe Wolseley Register will have a stand at this show featuring restoration projects belonging to local members. ... See MoreSee Less
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EVENTS NEWS!

  • Read about our National Rally on 16-17 August and apply online to join us!  
  • The Register attended the 2025 BMC & Leyland Day
  • See which Wolseleys attended the 2025 Morris Vehicles Association Rally

OTHER NEWS!

  • In addition to our range of Series cars Head and Manifold gaskets, we now have in stock the triangular manifold to exhaust pipe gaskets! Have a look at the ‘Engine – Pre 1949’ website page, and then contact the Spares Consultant! 
  • We have now listed all of our duplicated Wolseley manuals available to members, see the website Library for details.
  • Brand new 6/90 rubbers, not available in the UK for many years, now available! (Only a small number of each, so place your orders now). Rubber parts include: engine/gearbox mounts; front/bump stops; steering column bushes; front/rear suspension rubbers; brake servo grommets and gearstick lower ferrules.     Look at the appropriate website pages for pictures, and then contact the Spares Consultant!

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Anne Heywood
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10 Denbigh Close
Leyland
Lancashire PR25 4YY

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