Highlights
• Extensive restoration in 2017
• Fast Road 1380 A+ Engine generating 117bhp @ 6750rpm
• A very long list of new components and upgrades
The Appeal
Everyone loves a pretty little Hornet, except this one has a bit more up its sleeve, in fact, quite a lot more. At the heart of this car is a freshly built 1380cc motor that gives this stunning little gem a real urgency. Complete with a full roll cage this machine could quite easily turn its hand to Hill Climbs or Road Rallies with relative ease. Then again you could simply fizz about some twisty B roads instead, either way, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear.
The History and Paperwork
• A file of Invoices showing a good deal of work undertaken
• Power curve print-out showing BHP and Torque
• Current V5
There’s quite a nice folio of invoices showing some of the money spent on this car since its purchase in 2014. Much of the work has been done by the current Father and Son owners so a lot of the labour costs won’t appear anywhere but just one look at the car is proof enough that the time has been spent.
It's noted that the vehicle is currently in dry storage in Cheltenham, and has been taken out here and there. Following a successful sale, collection can be from this location.
It's noted that the vehicle is currently in dry storage in Cheltenham, and has been taken out here and there. Following a successful sale, collection can be from this location.
The Interior
• New Headlining
• New Carpets
• Period red Vinyl seating
• Roll Cage
• Dropped Column and extra Rev Counter
The interior maintains the feel of the original Hornet with the little veneered binnacle and lovely red seats and door cards, but some Motorsport cues are adding that bit of extra purpose. The roll cage is the obvious addition but it doesn’t have any intrusive diagonals or door bars that can compromise ease of access or the chance to use the rear seats.
The headlining is new but requires just a little finishing at the rear pillars. The whole interior is in pretty good condition other than a little tear in one of the seat cushions which should be a simple repair by the right people. A large rev counter reminds you that there is something more than the standard 998cc lump upfront and the dropped column aids in providing a comfy driving position.
The headlining is new but requires just a little finishing at the rear pillars. The whole interior is in pretty good condition other than a little tear in one of the seat cushions which should be a simple repair by the right people. A large rev counter reminds you that there is something more than the standard 998cc lump upfront and the dropped column aids in providing a comfy driving position.
The Exterior
• Resprayed in 2017
• Floors, Heel Plates, Inner and Outer Sills were all replaced
• Mini Cooper Steel Wheels
• Fully stripped and refurbished Subframes
The colour scheme suits the little Hornet and the paint still has a good shine. There are just a few bubbles of rust beginning to show through, particularly on the A panels. Since the paint was applied in 2017 the car has collected a few minor imperfections along the way, but nothing you wouldn’t expect.
The chrome work is original and has that genuine amount of patina you’d like to see in a car of this age, although there is a little section missing on the driver’s side towards the rear. From across the street you’d be forgiven in thinking that this is just a nicely looked after Wolseley but the addition of the Cooper rims, aluminium sump guard and the rather tasty noise coming from the Hif 44 carb and the custom exhaust proclaims that it is something rather special.
The chrome work is original and has that genuine amount of patina you’d like to see in a car of this age, although there is a little section missing on the driver’s side towards the rear. From across the street you’d be forgiven in thinking that this is just a nicely looked after Wolseley but the addition of the Cooper rims, aluminium sump guard and the rather tasty noise coming from the Hif 44 carb and the custom exhaust proclaims that it is something rather special.
The Mechanics
• Extensive Engine Modifications
• Converted to Rod Gear-change
• New Steering Rack
• New Wiring Loom
• Gearbox Re-build
• CV Jointed Drive-Shafts
• Race Oil Pick-up
The engine is the key to this miniature wolf in sheep’s clothing. There has been a lot of work, and expense that has gone into providing a more than a respectable turn of speed for this otherwise demure car. The block is an A+ which is fitted with a polished and ported stage 4 head with solid rockers and double valve springs.
There’s a Swiftune cam, Duplex timing chain and Vernier pulley. The fuel gets drawn in by a HiF 44 carb and the exhaust is swiftly expelled via a stage 2 LCB manifold and custom straight through exhaust system. All in all the owner reckons it’s a quick package and the supplied printout from the rolling road suggests a very healthy 117 bhp.
There’s a Swiftune cam, Duplex timing chain and Vernier pulley. The fuel gets drawn in by a HiF 44 carb and the exhaust is swiftly expelled via a stage 2 LCB manifold and custom straight through exhaust system. All in all the owner reckons it’s a quick package and the supplied printout from the rolling road suggests a very healthy 117 bhp.
Summary
The Wolseley Hornet has always been considered the slightly upper-class Mini and it will often be associated with country drives. However, with its darker side in the form of speed, it no doubt adds to a classic driving experience.
This rebellious nature means that you can enjoy all the cuteness of a Wolseley with the fizz normally associated with a Cooper.
Enough built-in fun in fact that if Motorsport is your thing then with very little extra work, this car could compete. Go on, grab yourself the ideal transport to howl around some twisty roads.
Notice to bidders
This rebellious nature means that you can enjoy all the cuteness of a Wolseley with the fizz normally associated with a Cooper.
Enough built-in fun in fact that if Motorsport is your thing then with very little extra work, this car could compete. Go on, grab yourself the ideal transport to howl around some twisty roads.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
