Wolseley Six, Rheingold Metallic
Only 25,214 Wolseley Sixes were made in a short production run between 1972 and 1975 and it’s believed that less than 50 remain. The example modelled is owned by enthusiast Reg ‘The Polisher’ Cook from Southampton, who bought his low mileage manual example from a long term owner in the New Forest who had stored it for 14 years. He spent a year restoring what was still basically a sound car that had seized up in storage. The jobs included rebuilding the engine, brakes, fuel system and suspension. Since then it’s proved a reliable and engaging classic which tows his caravan with ease and, because of its rarity, creates interest wherever it goes.
When the Wolseley Six was launched the basic ADO 17 ‘Land Crab’ had been on the market 8 years. Like its sister 4-cylinder Wolseley, the 18/85, it used elegant low-mounted rectangular rear light-clusters instead of the upright fin-mounted units fitted to the Mk2 Austin/Morris versions from 1968. The ‘E6’ engined six cylinder ‘Land-Crab’ was initially launched in Australia in December 1970 and was the first front-wheel-drive production car to feature a transverse straight-six. It finally came out in the UK in March 1972 as an Austin, Morris and Wolseley. However, the smooth 6-cylinder’s character best suited the luxurious Wolseley, which came as standard with velour upholstery, front armrests, the traditional ‘Ghost Light’ and a walnut dashboard. Automatic transmission and power-steering were popular options.
Engine: 2227cc 6-IL OHC;
Power: 110bhp@5250rpm; Torque: 126lb.ft@3500rpm; Max speed: 104mph; 0-60mph: 13.1 secs; Weight: 2620lbs.
Wolseley is a registered trademark of SAIC Motor Corporation Limited Licensed by British Motor Heritage Ltd. Licensing agent: LMI www.bmh-ltd.com
