1932 Wolseley Hornet Eustace Watkins Coupé
No Reserve

Registration No: YY 7740
Chassis No: 113133/75
MOT: Exempt

• Exceptionally rare factory Coupé coachwork
• Highly original example believed to retain the original paint
• Subject to a complete engine overhaul in the current ownership

The vogue for creating small cars of big performance pre-dates today's hot hatches by many decades, of which the Wolseley Hornets of 1930 to 1935 are ample proof. The trick was to insert six-cylinder OHC engines of 1271cc into unsuspecting modified Morris Minor chassis and then provide them with relatively lightweight bodies and wheels to create cars with considerably more get-up-and-go. The Hornet specials, of which 2307 were made between 1932 and 1934, were even more nimble, courtesy of higher compression engines fed by twin carburettors.

A number of special coupé bodies were built on Hornet chassis by coachbuilders, perhaps most notably including Salmons & Sons. However, few were as lovely as Wolseley's own factory coupé body, which was completed with many attractive luxury features including wind-up windows, twin door pockets on each door, a sun visor, wind deflectors and faux landau irons. Car number 113133 dates to 1933 and carries a supplier's plate for the well-known London Wolseley dealership Eustace Watkins Ltd.

Delightfully presented in a condition ripe for oily rag preservation, the vendor has advised that he acquired 113133 during 2014 from a deceased estate to form part of his large private collection and during his ownership he has treated it to an engine overhaul in the hopes that he would one day be able to regularly use the car. The vendor states that the car is in ‘running condition’ but will require ‘further TLC’ to see use back on the road.

A highly worthwhile project, this extremely rare Wolseley is supplied with the rear quarter bumpers, original running boards that are described as ‘past it but good templates’ by the vendor, and the V5C.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430