The Wolseley’s return

Here, you see two Thames Valley officers admire my Wolseley 6/99 on display at Cowley’s Templars Square Shopping Centre. Yet, only a few weeks ago, I would have thought such a scenario utterly impossible. Let me explain…

There are no good times to see smoke billowing from the grille and luggage compartment of your classic car, but that happened to the Wolseley not so long ago. The venue was a display of historic police vehicles at Hampshire Constabulary’s Family Day. Thankfully, and I do mean just that, a friend quickly disconnected the battery with the aid of a spanner I keep on the parcel shelf “just in case”. That Saturday, it came into its own.

Lancashire’s breakdown recovery transported the smoke-ridden car and somewhat irate owner back to Oxfordshire, where it remained in disgrace for a few days. Then Mr. Richard Martin, BMC Farina expert extraordinaire, made his appearance. Within what seemed to be an instant, he managed to have the Wolseley running again sans smoke. He also discovered a mouse’s nest in the boot, which demonstrates Finnie the Cat has been lax in her duties. When reprimanded, Finnie compounded her offences by smirking.

Richard offered to take the Wolseley away for necessary repairs, so I bid it farewell with the trepidation familiar to many a classic enthusiast. The discovery of one automotive problem so often results in uncovering five more significant issues. But, about ten days later came the great moment when the 6/99 finally returned.

Mr. Martin believed the wiring to the “Police” sign on the boot became trapped in the lid, shortening the entire network. He had to remove the fascia to rewire the Wolseley, and in addition, he fitted a power shut-off under the dashboard and rectified a fuel pipe leak in the boot. The 6/99 also has a working heater, a luxury I have lived without for the past 21 months.

The Wolseley’s first major outing after its repairs was to take part in a documentary about the great character actor, Sam Kydd. This writer also appeared on camera, and the 6/99 behaved impeccably. The reason for using the Wolseley on screen was that black police cars so often featured in Kydd’s career, where he was a Sergeant or a crook – “It wasn’t me, guv’nor – honest!”

The second outing took place last Saturday, with the trip to Cowley to join a display of locally built vehicles at Templars Square. The line-up was the work of Tanya Field, who arranged a remarkable group, from a Morris 8 and a Rover 600 to a Marina Pick-Up and an Oxford flat-bed used internally at the Morris Works.

Throughout the journey, the engine felt more responsive and the Wolseley certainly appeared more willing to cope with hills. The next main task will be fitting a new dynamo; as with virtually any old car, the work is ongoing. But that is all part of the experience of owning a 63-year-old vehicle.

Besides, the bell seems to be more strident than ever. And that can only be a bonus.

With thanks to: Richard Martin and Tanya Field