WOLSELEY 6/99 RUNNING REPORT

It has been a little over three years since I acquired my 1960 Wolseley 6/99 – and here are the 12 lessons it has taught me so far:

1. Most obviously, the British Motor Corporation designed the Wolseley for a completely different era regarding traffic volume and performance expectations. On its launch in July 1959, the top speed of a 6/99 Automatic was a shade over 101 mph with 0-60 in 17.2 seconds; quite impressive by late-1950s standards. At that time, the UK had only one motorway, the Preston bypass (the M1 was still a few months hence) while, for many Britons, a dual carriageway or trunk road marked the outer limits of performance driving.

2. That said, we have taken the 6/99 on motorways, where it showed its prowess as a cruiser. At 70 mph, it seemed to have considerable reserves of power, and, of course, some forces did employ large Wolseleys for m-way patrols.

3. The public reaction has been fascinating, ranging from amazement to a sense of recognition from senior motorists. Younger drivers appear especially interested in the steering column gear selector.

4. One lesson I learned quickly is to keep the car locked when displaying it at a show. When did certain members of the public gain the idea that opening the doors of an exhibit and climbing inside was a good idea?

5. Folding armrests come into their own in a car with a split-bench front seat and entertaining cornering prowess. This was particularly the case when the Wolseley went for a jaunt around the Silverstone circuit in 2022.

6. Some other charming period details include a heater that often requires both front quarterlights to assist in demisting the rear windscreen and enough headroom for the occupants to wear a trilby hat.

7. In terms of accessories, the offside wing mirror can be less than helpful at times, but the adhesive Gno-Mist panel for the rear screen really does work.

8. The tailfins can be of great use when reversing.

9. Fitting seat belts was a very good idea.

10. A few people, inevitably, have been less than helpful. I rapidly discovered that if a conversation with a business included the phrase “not including VAT”, delivered in a flat, bored manner, this did not bode well for the subsequent discussion.

11. Telling said people that “not including VAT” went out with flared trousers and the Ford Cortina Mk. III can make you slightly unpopular.

12. But, far more hearteningly, I have encountered so much kindness in the past three years from old friends, new friends, my neighbours and people at shows. The Wolseley has taken me to events, roamed through Oxfordshire and Hampshire, and even participated in a civil ceremony and a wedding. Plus, it still reminds me of the police 6/99 in The Fast Lady...