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Post by Nick RS on Aug 26, 2013 10:44:33 GMT
I few days ago I was chatting with a motoring writer who contributes to the classic car magazines and we discussed the Wolseley and whether it would make an good article or not. He was interested in what the competition was at the time the car was new. Looking at contemporary road tests as well as price lists I have come up with the following.
Humber Sceptre (upmarket Hunter)
Fiat 125
Ford Cortina 1600E
Ford Corsair 2000E
Chrysler 180 (from 1971)
Renault 16
Datsun 1800
I have left out the Triumph and Rover 2000s as they were usually about £300 more expensive which is about £6000 in todays's money; apologies to non UK friends but feel free to contribute ideas.
Please share your thoughts and I'll report back to my new friend and see if he wants to do a feature.
Nick
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Post by dave1800 on Aug 26, 2013 12:10:32 GMT
That looks like a reasonable list but you shouldn't mention Hunter's in the same sentence as Landcrabs, refer to 1968  Maybe only one Ford should be in the list and add a Vauxhall for a more representative balance. I'd forgotten all about the Chrysler 180 despite working for the company for a short while. The 1800 did of course beat the Rover 2000 to European Car of the Year in 1965 (deservedly, but I am slightly biased). David I few days ago I was chatting with a motoring writer who contributes to the classic car magazines and we discussed the Wolseley and whether it would make an good article or not. He was interested in what the competition was at the time the car was new. Looking at contemporary road tests as well as price lists I have come up with the following. Humber Sceptre (upmarket Hunter) Fiat 125 Ford Cortina 1600E Ford Corsair 2000E Chrysler 180 (from 1971) Renault 16 Datsun 1800 I have left out the Triumph and Rover 2000s as they were usually about £300 more expensive which is about £6000 in todays's money; apologies to non UK friends but feel free to contribute ideas. Please share your thoughts and I'll report back to my new friend and see if he wants to do a feature. Nick |
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Post by Nick RS on Aug 27, 2013 20:37:07 GMT
Thank you David,
I have included a Vauxhall Victor FD though it does seem to have been a cheaper car, closer the Austin or Morris 1800 than the Wolseley. The 18/85 was about halfway between the Victor and the Ventora in March 1969 when my pricelist was printed. It went up a bit more with the Wolseley II version later on in the same year.
I could start a debate here but it is interesting to note that an Austin 1800 was a similar price to a Farina Wolseley 16/60 or Riley 4/72 and that a Morris 1800S was very similar to a Wolseley 18/85 non S.
Which would you go for?
Austin 1800 £1021
Morris 1800S £1079
Riley 4/72 £1051
Wolseley 16/60 £962
Wolseley 18/85 £1105
Nick
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Post by dave1800 on Aug 28, 2013 2:13:35 GMT
I seem to recall that the "Which" report compared the Austin 1800, 1800S and Wolseley 18/85 and concluded that the standard Austin 1800 was the best car for most people to drive. From a driver's perspective, I felt that the power steering detracted considerably from the fun factor and in hindsight, I regret I didn't convert the Wolseley to a manual rack. Looking now at photos of the interiors the Austin is unbelievably stark while the Wolseley still looks up market. However, while I used to prefer the Austin for its simplicity and relative easy of taking out the engine now I would if I had the choice go for a Wolseley - but NO power steering. Twin carbs, predictably no, I would go the Downton route, same power as the "S" but no hassle - I know Chis and Alexander won't agree with me . Thank you David, I have included a Vauxhall Victor FD though it does seem to have been a cheaper car, closer the Austin or Morris 1800 than the Wolseley. The 18/85 was about halfway between the Victor and the Ventora in March 1969 when my pricelist was printed. It went up a bit more with the Wolseley II version later on in the same year. I could start a debate here but it is interesting to note that an Austin 1800 was a similar price to a Farina Wolseley 16/60 or Riley 4/72 and that a Morris 1800S was very similar to a Wolseley 18/85 non S. Which would you go for? Austin 1800 £1021 Morris 1800S £1079 Riley 4/72 £1051 Wolseley 16/60 £962 Wolseley 18/85 £1105 Nick |
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Post by ahctog1 on Sept 4, 2013 22:09:53 GMT
In 1970 'Motor' considered the Fiat 125s (£1347),18/85 (£1323), Renault 16 (£1235), Datsun 1800 (£1386), and the Mazda 1800 (£1220). I also remember reading a road test between a W6 and MkII Granada 2 litre, with the result of the W6 being better on most counts! (That didn't get reflected in sales did it!).
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Post by dave1800 on Sept 5, 2013 1:14:06 GMT
I seem to recall that the Granada used to suffer with diffs seizing up on long motorway runs with spectacular results; now if I was asked to name a truly ugly car, I don't know why it sold so well David II also remember reading a road test between a W6 and MkII Granada 2 litre, with the result of the W6 being better on most counts! (That didn't get reflected in sales did it!). |
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Post by Nick RS on Sept 5, 2013 7:49:07 GMT
Ahctog,
All those tests and many others are available in a collection of reprints sold under the name of C P Press in a soft bound book format. Easily found on eBay under their titles of 'Wolseley Six and 18/85' and 'Austin and Morris 1800 2200 3 litre' usually around £10 each. Strangely the W6 article is in the Austin Morris book and it puts it up against a Consul 2500L
Hours of happy reading.........
Nick
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Post by ahctog1 on Sept 18, 2013 21:57:23 GMT
Ah....yes, Consul is the one I was thinking of. Thanks Nick
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