1932 Wolseley Hornet 12/6 Saloon
No Reserve

Registration No: PN 9518
Chassis No: 31264
MOT: Exempt

• Exceptionally well preserved with delightful patination!
• A truly fabulous example of an almost entirely original pre-war car, ideal for preservation events
• Purchased by the vendor in 2021 from the long-term previous owner of twenty-six years
• Recommissioned thereafter with a fuel system overhaul, hydraulic brakes refreshed, a new battery, and servicing

The vogue for creating small cars of great 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, creating a family saloon which could surpass 60mph. The Hornet was distinguished as Britain’s lowest-priced six, and was also notable as one of the earliest adopters of Lockheed hydraulic brakes.

While it may look at first like a long-lost barn find, this delightful specimen is, in fact, ready to enjoy. It has survived for 93 years without ever being restored, and was fortunate to be purchased recently by a sympathetic owner who recommissioned it but refrained from interfering with the superb historic paint and interior. Impressively, its history dates back to 1939, when it belonged to Mr. Hubert Alexander Martin of Surbiton, Surrey. It is not clear when Mr. Martin parted with the car, but he still owned it during the 1950s, when he had moved to Purley. He probably did not drive it during the war, so the 12,000 miles on the odometer may be genuine. The Wolseley had three owners between 1983 and 1996, and although it was on the road in 1996, the next owner placed it in storage and it did not emerge until 2021.

The present owner bought it as a non-runner but flushed the fuel system, replaced the battery and carburettor, and succeeded in making it run again. He conducted a general service and overhauled the brakes, and we understand the Hornet now drives beautifully. The vendor says: “This is an utterly charming vehicle. It is easy to drive with respectable performance. The gear-driven water pump provides excellent cooling and the brakes function well.”

With its glorious patina and unspoilt originality, this Hornet represents an outstanding preservation opportunity. It is sold with the current V5C, the 1939 buff logbook and two 1990s V5s.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452