Jim Jarron's Motoring Pages

In 1948, the Wolseley range was simplified to two models, the 4/50 and 6/80. The two cars were, other than the number of cylinders and the badges, almost identical, with the main external difference being the length, the front-end of the 4/50 being slightly shorter.

The bodywork of these cars featured all steel unitary construction and was based on the Morris Oxford although, unlike the Oxford with its side valve engine, the 4/50 and 6/80 had overhead camshaft power units based on a Hispano-Suiza design. The 6/80 was powered by a 6-cylinder 2214cc overhead camshaft engine while the 4/50 had a four-cylinder version of the 6/80’s engine, displacing 1476cc. The six-cylinder engine was also used in the Morris Six.

In line with the fashion of the day, the gearchange was mounted on the steering column. The 4-door saloon had a traditional Wolseley radiator grille and illuminated badge. On early cars the shock absorbers were Armstrong lever arm but were later replaced by telescopic dampers. The front suspension, rather unusually, used twin shock absorbers and a wishbone. The rear was equipped with a single shock absorber and leaf springs.

In his book, "Wolseley, a Saga of the Motoring Industry", St John C Nixon says of these (then) recently introduced cars that "throughout its long career, the Wolseley Company has refrained steadfastly from making alterations in its'productions for no better reason than for making them; each new adoption or modification has been a definite step forward towards an engineering Nirvana, and the incorporation on these two models, which were known as the " Four-Fifty " and the "Six-Eighty," of such features as independent front-wheel suspension by torsion bar, steering column gear-change, hypoid rear axle and overhead camshaft engine coupled with a beauty of line without sacrificing the famous Wolseley radiator and other features which, for so many years, have been seen in ever-increasing numbers on the highways of the world, was an achievement which demanded the brain of the Engineer and the eye of the Artist".

Advertising copy of the day said that the cars gave “an impression of a car of unusual grace and style” and that as they were “designed and built with meticulous care, no detail affecting the comfort and safety of driver and passengers has been overlooked”. As regards the extra performance of the 6/80, the car was said to be “designed for the motorist requiring luxury combined with a high standard of performance” and that the engine design ensured “even compression and maximum output at any engine temperature” and that “a wonderfully smooth flow of power is delivered throughout the speed range”. This, it was said, was ”a car which will delight the most critical of motorists".

Ninety-nine 4/50s, nineteen 6/80s and five Morris Sixes were built before January 1949 when production was moved to the Nuffield works in Cowley.

Changes made during production included the introduction of a pressurised cooling system in place of the original non-pressurised system, the camshaft cover was changed from a single piece to two pieces for ease of maintenance, heater output was increased and the battery was moved. Headlight and fog lamp surrounds were changed from painted to chrome and there were minor changes to the badging.

The 4/50 was discontinued in 1953 and was replaced by the 4/44, with the 6/80 being replaced the following year by the 6/90.