History of the Wolseley Marque

The first Wolseley, of 1895.

The Wolseley Sheep Shearing Company Limited was founded in Sydney, Australia in 1887 by Frederick York Wolseley. After moving the company to Birmingham, England in 1893, his Works Manager Herbert Austin started experimenting with motor cars, producing the first one in 1895. Wolseley motor cars were made in Great Britain from then until 1975, being among the very first British cars put into large-scale production and actually leading the car production figures during the Edwardian period.

During World War 1, Wolseley lorries were supplied in large numbers to the British Army in France and Wolseley aero engines contributed to the success of the Royal Flying Corps. Car production resumed in the 1920s and then, in 1927, following financial difficulties, the company became part of the group owned by William Morris, later Lord Nuffield. Wolseley cars continued in steady production from then on, filling a slightly 'up-market' slot aimed at being a cut above the popular makes.

There are many Veteran and Edwardian Wolseleys in museums and some take part in the annual London to Brighton run each November. But Wolseleys aren't just museum pieces, for there is still a great number of later cars in regular use. Some motorists have given up the 'rat race' of modern cars and now use one of these ageless classic Wolseleys for everyday transport.

For many years the Wolseley name was associated with the Police force - the last model to be used being the late-'60s Wolseley 6/110, a large Farina-styled saloon. Many people will remember the Ealing Studios films of the 1950s such as The Lavender Hill Mob and Whisky Galore, which often featured the Series III 18/85 saloons and the later 6/80 and 6/90 in Police trim. Some of our members have ensured that the Police livery has been preserved on the appropriate models.

The distinctive illuminated radiator badge was first introduced in 1932 and continued right up to the end of Wolseley production, when the last car to bear the famous Wolseley badge - a 2200 'Wedge' - left the factory in 1975. Thus ended 80 years of production of one of Britain's finest luxury motor cars.