Wolseley
Fifteen Hundred
Fifteen Hundred
MKI
It
was in 1957 that the Wolseley 1500 was announced. The original idea
was that the model would be a replacement for the Morris Minor. So
as many components as possible would be carried over, this included
floor pan and suspension units. It was planned to have the 1200cc
'B' series engine, (a small batch of 110 with this engine were made
for the Republic of Ireland). Having the 1489cc engine installed
gave this small car a very good power to weight ratio. Because of a
high final drive in the axle it had a very good cruising speed. The
down side was that you needed to stay in third gear much longer
although the remote gear change was very positive. The body was
trimmed out in the traditional Wolseley way with a walnut veneer
facia, leather seats with the front ones been of the bucket type
style, room in the back was some what restricted. The grille and
illuminated badge gave the car its traditional Wolseley look.
Bodies were built and trimmed at Fisher & Ludlow Castle
Bromwich Birmingham and transported to Longbridge to receive the
mechanical components.
Date
when launched late 1957
Discontinued in 1960
Total produced 46,438
Engine
1489 cc 43 bhp at 4,200 rpm Max torque 71lbs/ft at 2,600
rpm
Main
measurements
Length 12ft 7.8ins Width 5ft 1ins Height 4ft 11.8ins
Wheel Base 7ft 2ins Track front 4ft 2.9ins rear 4ft 2.3ins
Price
at launch £796
Wolseley
1500 MKII
Although it was
called the Mark II very few changes were made. The later production
MKI cars had larger section tyres fitted to the 14in wheels which
was carried over. The most obvious change was the removing of the
external bonnet and boot hinges which gave it a cleaner
line.
Date
when launched May 1960
Discontinued in 1961
Total produced 22,295
Engine
1489 cc 43 bhp at 4,200 rpm Max torque 71lbs/ft at 2,600
rpm
Main
measurements
Length 12ft 7.8ins Width 5ft 1ins Height 4ft 11.8ins
Wheel Base 7ft 2ins Track front 4ft 2.9ins rear 4ft 2.3ins
Wolseley
1500 MKIII
This was the
final face lift with the body receiving a full width lower grille
which incorporating revised side-indicator lights. The side trim
now ran the full length of the body with a simpler wing logo by the
headlamp. Suspension was lowered to give the car a more sporty
look
Date when launched Oct 1961
Discontinued in 1965
Total produced 31,989
Engine
1489 cc 43 bhp at 4,200 rpm Max torque 71lbs/ft at 2,600
rpm
Main
measurements
Length 12ft 7.8ins Width 5ft 1ins Height 4ft 11.8ins
Wheel Base 7ft 2ins Track front 4ft 2.9ins rear 4ft
2.3ins