Wolseley 15/50

Wolseley 15/50

Overview
Manufacturer	BMC
Production	1956-1958 12,352^[1]
Designer	Gerald Palmer
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon
Related	MG Magnette
Powertrain
Engine	1489 cc B-Series straight-4
Transmission	4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	102 in (2,600 mm)^[2]
Length	173 in (4,400 mm)^[2]
Width	61 in (1,500 mm)^[2]
Height	60 in (1,500 mm)^[2]
Chronology
Predecessor	Wolseley 4/44
Successor	Wolseley 15/60

The Wolseley 15/50 was an updated version of the Wolseley 4/44. The main change was the engine; the 4/44 used a pre BMC Morris XPA unit and after the MG TF stopped production it was the only car still fitted with it. To rationalise production the 15/50 was launched with the BMC B-series engine fitted. Much of the design was shared with the MG Magnette, although some of the panels of the MG Magnette ZA/ZB (e.g. the boot and rear wings) are not interchangeable with those of the Wolseley 15/50, as stated in Practical Classics.

Unlike the MG, the 15/50 engine had only a single SU carburettor so the power output was slightly less at 55 bhp (41 kW) at 4400 rpm.^[2] Unlike the 4/44, the 15/50 had a floor gear change. From 1956 a "Manumatic" two pedal (centrifugal clutch) transmission was an option. This was controlled by a micro switch hidden in the gear lever operating a vacuum servo. Having no synchromesh on bottom gear could make changes into the lowest ratio, which would normally require double declutching, difficult.^[2]

The construction was monocoque with independent suspension at the front by coil springs and a live rear axle with semi elliptic leaf springs. The steering was rack and pinion and Lockheed brakes were fitted with 9 in (230 mm) drums all round^[2]

In keeping with the up-market positioning of the Wolseley brand the car had upmarket trim with polished walnut dashboard and door cappings and leather seats and a traditional Wolseley radiator grille with illuminated badge. The individual front seats were placed very closely together to allow the car to be used as a six seater albeit marginal but it was usually sold as a four seater. The handbrake lever was under the dash. A heater was fitted as standard.

Performance

An example with Manumatic transmission tested by the British The Motor magazine in 1957 had a top speed of 77.9 mph (125.4 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 26.7 seconds. A fuel consumption of 28.7 miles per imperial gallon (9.8 L/100 km; 23.9 mpg_-US) was recorded. The test car cost £1011 including taxes of £338.^[2]

It was replaced in 1958 by the Farina styled Wolseley 15/60.

References

↑ Robson, Graham (2006). A-Z British Cars 1945-1980. Devon, UK: Herridge & Sons. ISBN 0-9541063-9-3.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "The Wolseley Fifteen-fifty". The Motor. February 6, 1957.

British Motor Corporation cars, 1952–1966

Austin Austin-Healey MG Morris Princess Riley Vanden Plas Wolseley

Austin	Sheerline Princess A40 A70 Hereford Cambridge Westminster A30 A35 Metropolitan Gipsy A40 Farina Seven Mini Mini Moke 1100 1800 Lancer Freeway

Austin-Healey	100 3000 Sprite

MG	YB Magnette TD & TF Midget MGA MGB Midget 1100

Morris	Minor Morris Oxford MO Morris Oxford series II Morris Oxford series III Morris Oxford Farina Cowley Six MS Isis Mini 850 Mini Moke 1100 1800 Marshal Major

Princess	Limousine IV 3-litre

Riley	1½ Litre 2½ Litre Pathfinder 2.6 1.5 4/68 and 4/72 Elf Kestrel

Vanden Plas	Princess Limousine Princess 3-litre Princess 4-litre "R" Princess 1100

Wolseley	4/50 6/80 4/44 6/90 15/50 15/60 1500 16/60 6/99 6/110 Hornet 1100 18/85 24/80

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Tuesday, December 29, 2015. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.