Lot 310: 1912 Wolseley 12/16

Younger enthusiasts may find it difficult to grasp just how high profile the Wolseley marque once was in the days of old Empire when British was considered best in the Colonies. Wolseley came about because Irish-born Fred York Wolseley, who had founded the Wolseley Sheep Shearing Machine Company in Australia, set up a British branch in 1889 in Birmingham, where one Herbert Austin was his Works Manager. For their first twenty-six years as a car maker, Wolseley belonged to Vickers and, thereafter, by William Morris and his Nuffield Organisation.This early Wolseley, a 1912-built 12/16 sports tourer, has a large history file which comes with the vehicle and, in addition to V5 and MOT certificate to 17 October, includes a desirable Veteran Car Club Dating Certificate which enables car and owner to participate in Oldtimer events. Interestingly, and confirming the far off era from whence it has come, among the paperwork is a photo recording the car during the Great War.The vendor tells us that this Edwardian with 2107cc 4-cylinder motor is still to original specification with no modifications to standard carried out over the years apart from having the alternative and works-supplied electrical lighting system fitted.Currently finished in the very period correct colour combination of blue with black interior, both paintwork and trim being described by the vendor as being in excellent general condition, this characterful open Wolseley is a well known, fully documented and fairly early motor car, which not only featured in an article in the January 1985 issue of'The Automobile' magazine, but also has been a regular award winner in concours events during the past fifty years.Needless to say, there is plenty of life left in the old girl yet, and a fortunate new owner of EW 197 should have many more miles of enjoyment in store as well as the potential of carrying offfurther silverware and commemorative plaques from events all over the country.