Wolseley 18/85 (1938 to 1948)

Wolseley 18/85 (1938–1948)
1948 Wolseley 18/85 Series III
Overview
ManufacturerWolseley
Production1938–1939
1945–1948
8213 built post war
Body and chassis
Body style4 door saloon
LayoutFR layout
Powertrain
Engine2,322 cc (141.7 cu in) Straight-6
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,654 mm (104.5 in)
Length4,369 mm (172.0 in)
Width1,702 mm (67.0 in)
Height1,676 mm (66.0 in)
Curb weight1,422 kg (3,135 lb)[1]
Chronology
SuccessorWolseley 6/80

The Wolseley 18/85 is an automobile which was produced by Wolseley in the United Kingdom from 1938 to 1939 and from 1945 until 1948.

Introduced in 1938,[2] the 18/85 was built on a 104 in (2,600 mm) wheelbase,[2] and was powered by an 85 bhp, twin carburettor, overhead valve, 2,322 cc (141.7 cu in), inline six-cylinder engine, which it shared with the MG SA.[3] Post-war production of the model began in the autumn of 1945 and totalled 8213 vehicles.[3]

Achievements

An 18/85 driven by Humphrey Symons and Bertie Browning set a London to Cape Town record of 31 days 22 hours, completing the 10,300 mile journey on 21 January 1939.[4] The time included a 12-day break for repairs following a plunge into the Gada River in the Belgian Congo.[4] Bertie Browning kept a handwritten diary during the trip.[5]

Wolseley 18/85 (1967–1972)

The 18/85 model name was again used on a Wolseley from 1967 to 1972. This was a variant of the BMC ADO17, which was also marketed under Austin and Morris names.

1969 Wolseley 18/85

References

  1. ^ 1938-1948 Wolseley 18/85, www.classicandperformancecar.com Retrieved on 5 February 2012
  2. ^ a b Michael Sedgwick & Mark Gillies, A-Z of Cars of the 1930s, Haymarket Publishing Limited, 1989, page 216.
  3. ^ a b Michael Sedgwick & Mark Gillies, A-Z of Cars 1945–1970, Haymarket Publishing Limited, Revised paperback edition published 1993, page 228.
  4. ^ a b 1939 Record Run - Wolseley 18/85, www.maxadventure.co.uk Retrieved on 5 February 2012
  5. ^ "The Cape Record". The Cape Record. Retrieved 3 July 2017.