By Dave Turner
Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.
Wolseley 1500 Mark I
The one-time ownership of a real Mark I Wolseley 1500 led to the acquisition of a kit of parts for a Mark 11 example from Richard at MiniMarque 43, who I worked for at the time, with the intention of turning it into a Mark I. However, many years later I was presented with the then new Lansdowne model Mark I in order to review it for the Lansdowne Collector magazine.
Once we get used to the absence of the essential illuminating Wolseley badge in the grille of the Lansdowne model we can enjoy the models many interesting and good points. The licence plate reads UOH 882, a Birmingham issue from 1957 and one that appeared on one of BMCs press cars, albeit a two-tone example. That pattern of colour split is limited to a few other early Wolseley 1500s and it followed closely the scheme that subsequently became familiar on the Riley One-Point-Five but included the lower body sides with the roof colour.
Dimensionally Lansdowne’s 1500 is a fraction over 1:43 but the proportions are correct – the wheelbase and overall length being to a consistent scale. the Island Green paint is beautifully applied, the entire surface on the example to hand being like glass while there are no less than 36 separate plated parts carefully and cleanly applied. These vary in size from the minute boot lid and bonnet hinges to the one-piece grille and side grilles and bumpers. The grilles would have benefited from a black wash while the hub caps have the big ‘W’ in place and are totally free from casting lines – not always the case with model hub caps. The wheels themselves might be a tad small but with their realistically sized tyres their overall effect is spot-on.
The body side and bonnet top strips are neatly set into their locations, the former are a trifle over-scale and also extend slightly too far forward. In front of the bonnet top strip is the tiny flying “W” casting and look carefully behind the plated door handles and the subtle recess in the door panels can be seen….just. From above the model captures the distinctive plan view – tapering to a noticeably slim tail end, that just might be a fraction too slim. The rear licence should extend noticeably wider than the plinth for its light, but is too small while the tail lights should be slightly sloping but are too close to vertical. Beneath the paint to the right side of the licence plate is the “Wolseley 1500” badge, while the plated tail lights are given the appropriate amber and red lacquer.
Both front ‘nd rear screen ‘glass’ is commendably flushed into their respective apertures while the clear windows all round allow the well detailed interior to be admired. The dash casting is finished in all-over ‘wood effect’ but should of course match the trim along its upper surface, have black faced instruments and radio plus a cream speaker grille. All these are well-detailed in the casting and could easily be given an appropriate colour if needed. The three spoke steering wheel should be dished and its spokes should be silver to represent the plated wires while the short gear lever between the seats is given a black finish (opportunity for more careful painting here?) The seats and door panels are finished in a light tan and given plenty of pleated detail.
A tiny exhaust pipe drops down from the black base in front of the left side bumper over rider but the now ubiquitous bright assembly screw head sticks down from beneath the boot area.
Shortly after the Morris Minor had been put into production, there were plans to eventually offer a new larger Morris, and utilise the same body for a Wolseley and an MG. In the event the Morris Minor was re-launched in slightly modified form as the Morris Minor 1000 in October 1956 the proposed larger version eventually going on to be produced in Australia as the Morris Major along with a companion Austin Lancer.
New and slightly larger Wolseley and MG saloons were launched in October 1952 (Wolseley 4/44) and October 1953 (MG Magnette) but in May 1957 another new Wolseley appeared as the 1500 employing the body originally planned for the proposed larger Morris.
The 1,489cc ‘B’ series engine employed in the relatively small and light body of the Wolseley 1500 provided excellent performance while relaxed cruising speeds were possible by the use of high gearing. At the same time some a luxury flavour was provided by the provision of leather upholstery and walnut cappings, much use of existing engineering allowed the price to be a modest £752.
The relatively short body resulted in a comfortable upright driving position and the positive rack and pinion steering gave similar handling characteristics to the Morris 1000. The new Wolseley 1500 had a top speed of 80 plus and gave 32mpg while an even livelier performance came with the Riley One-Point-Five version in November 1957 as that was provided with twin carbs bigger valves and other engine upgrades.
In January 1959 a slightly less luxurious version of the Wolseley 1500 was launched and called the Fleet Model, for £47 less the leather and walnut was replaced by leather cloth while the better equipped version then became known as the Family Model. In April 1959 the tyre section was increased to cope with the weight of the engine and a slightly re-styled Mark II came along in May 1960 after a total production of 46,438 Mark Is.
7205 KH was a less expensive Fleet Model and began life in Hull in January 1960. By the time it became the writer’s family car a few years later it was still in excellent condition and a pleasure to drive. The lusty ‘B’ Series engine, even in its single carb form gave a satisfying thrum when the accelerator was pushed to the floor and compared to its contemporaries the Wolseley could certainly be described as entertainingly lively.
Illustrations:
1960 Wolseley 1500 Fleet model when it was nearly new.
2 & 3 Lansdowne 1:43 metal from UK; LDM 71, Wolseley 1500
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