Lot 17: Wolseley 14/56

Since the earliest days of the motor industry, Wolseley had been renowned for the production of fine motor cars, many with innovative designs. However, financial difficulties were to lead to bankruptcy in 1927 with Sir William Morris coming to the rescue and purchasing the company, bringing it under the wing of his growing Nuffield empire. From the early 1930s, ensuing products were, not unnaturally, to be found sharing many components from Morris and MG vehicles, as the inevitable rationalisation process gathered momentum, and by 1938, Wolseley's were effectively up-market versions of their Morris counterparts. The Wolseley became famous for its use as a police patrol car and it was possible to spot a Wolseley at night as, from 1933, the motif on the radiator grille was illuminated. During the late 1930s, an extensive range of motor cars was offered encompassing all sizes from the popular 10hp model right up to the luxuriously equipped 25hp series. One of the most popular models was the 14/56, and it is one such example offered here. First registered in the East Riding of Yorkshire in 1936, the car retains its original registration number. It is described as being in good mechanical condition in all respects with all instrumentation fully functional, and is said to run very well. Previously it was used as a display vehicle and a quality repaint in black as original was undertaken two years ago. The brown leather upholstery is also original and said to be in good order, as is the chassis and structure.