The Wolseley Hornet was introduced in 1930 in saloon guise. The car was well-built and soon offered as a rolling chassis for coachbuilders who often built sporty variations for their clients. Nearly 30 different coachbuilders would work their craft on this versatile platform, with prestigious names such as Jensen, Gurney Nutting, Abbey, and others. The BMC combine was formed in 1952 by the merger of the Nuffield Group and the Austin Motor Company. This caused a total of five marques to manage, which meant that further rationalization was necessary. In the UK, only Wolseley and Riley versions were released, while in Australia, both the Austin Lancer and Morris Major were introduced.The Wolseley Hornet was added to BMC's model line-up in 1961, along with the Riley Elf. Both were given the marque's traditional up-right grilles. In the rear was a longer cargo area than its sibling, the Mini, which made it more versatile.
The Wolseley name persisted until 1975.
By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2010
The first series of the Wolseley Hornet was given an A-Series 848cc engine, the same found in the Mini. The interior was well equipped with extra sounding deadening material, Cooper instruments set in a walnut center panel, and upgraded seat coverings.
By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2010
Wolseley
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