One of Britains earliest car producers, Wolseley, actually started off in Engineering, producing sheep-shearing equipment! For many years it was run by none other than Herbert Austin who went on to form his own highly successful motor business. By 1901 Wolseley had become part of Vickers, however it was sold again in 1927 to Austin rival, William Morris.

Early Wolseley cars had been elegant luxury models competing with Napier, Rolls-Royce and Daimler. Following the Morris take-over the models from Wolseley were based on modified Morris chassis, although they soon gained a loyal following from Britains middle classes and the Police.

By the mid-1950's Wolseley found itself as part of the BMC organisation, its name gracing the upper models of the BMC range. Like MG and Riley the Wolseley brand identity was remained intact, wood and leather interiors and the famous Wolseley "illuminated grille badge". The Wolseley name continued under the control of British Leyland until 1975 when it was finally laid to rest.