Registration - RAM 486

Chassis No. - W8103

M.O.T. - Exempt

This venerable Wolseley is work in progress. The vendor informs us that a lot of money has already been invested in it, with any welding required now carried out and the car fully undersealed. Such items as the wiring system, brake pipes and servo, fuel lines and electric pump, battery, sparking plugs, distributor cap, HT leads and carpets have all been replaced. Items still earmarked for replacement or refurbishment include the facia, door cards, roof lining and some instruments. The vendor regards the 1500cc B Series engine as ‘good with good oil pressure’ and it these days drives through an MGB overdrive gearbox. Finished in black and trimmed blue, the Wolseley presently rides on wide-rim steel wheels and is now being sold complete with the registration number ‘RAM 486’, which we understand can be transferred if required.

The Wolseley 1500 and Riley 1.5 siblings were launched by BMC in 1957 and broadly speaking combined the floorpan, steering and suspension of the Morris Minor with the engine and gearbox of the MG Magnette. Some 103,394 Wolseley versions had been made by the cessation of production in 1965. An example tested by The Motor in 1957 required 24.8 seconds to reach 60mph from a standstill and achieved a top speed of 76.7mph, as well as an impressive average fuel consumption of 36.6mpg. The cost of the model when new was £758, including taxes. The Riley alternative, that boasted an additional 20bhp courtesy of a reworked cylinder head and additional SU Carburettor, was some 6 seconds quicker to 60mph, and 6mph faster flat out, but £57 dearer.

In summary:

• The subject of much recent investment
• Equipped with an MGB overdrive gearbox
• Its registration number ‘RAM 486’ is apparently transferable if required