1969 Wolseley Hornet MkIII

Highlights

• Just two registered keepers from new
• Genuine 58,142 miles believed to be original
• Recently recommissioned after 10+ years in dry storage
• Recent attention to brakes, clutch, ignition and coolant systems
• Original interior with carefully preserved leather seats
• Rare a very original late model Hornet

The Appeal

The British motor industry’s pioneering of ‘badge engineering’ took a lot of stick for a very long time. Now it’s the name of the game, cleverly renamed as ‘platform sharing.’

Spinning a small luxury saloon out of the utilitarian Mini took both chutzpah and intelligence, but BMC achieved it with the clever Hornet. Reviving a pre-war nameplate gave buyers a leather-trimmed runaround that drove like a Mini but didn’t look much like one, thanks to a boxy rear boot and remodelled front end.

The final MkIII cars got wind-up windows and improved interior ventilation. This lovely burgundy example was one of the last built and has had just two keepers in its lengthy life. Not surprisingly, particularly given the low displayed mileage, it is highly original and all the more characterful for it.

The paintwork and interior show light signs of use, but arguably that merely adds to this car’s charisma. The vendor recently recovered it from long-term dry storage and has carefully checked it over. Recommissioning work has included attention to the brakes, coolant, clutch and ignition systems so buyers can be confident it runs well.

These little cars are great alternatives to more common Mini variants and this car, with its unusual provenance, looks tempting.

History and Paperwork

• First registered on 1st March 1969
• Just one previous keeper before the long-term now deceased owner
• Recently recommissioned after more than ten years in dry garage storage
• Odometer showing 58,142 miles, believed to be genuine
• The car's overall originality supports the credibility of the mileage according to seller
• One of the last built before production ended in 1969
• Factory handbooks and workshop manual as shown
• Few miles covered in recent years according to MOT records
• In dry garaged storage for 10 years prior to recent recommissioning
• Summary of recent work below

Reent work:

• Full brake and clutch hydraulics overhaul
• New brake a clutch master cylinder
• New brake hoses
• Brake and clutch slave cylinders replaced
• New battery
• New distributor cap and leads
• Fresh coolant
• Fuel system cleaned out
• Thorough polish of the paintwork

The Condition

• Burgundy paintwork with white roof in fair condition with some ‘character’ to note in photos
• This includes light scuffs and some areas of poor paint and microblistering
• There are some edge chips on the doors
• Bodywork is presentable with small area of corrosion to note on front offside wing
• Vendor reports areas of minor bubbling to bodywork
• Front wings have shallow dents as shown in photos due to long term storage
• Retains original exterior features including Lucas fog lights
• Front and rear bumpers in chrome with over riders in fair condition
• Some light tarnish to note to chrome fittings as shown in photos
• Sits on correct steel wheels with original Wolseley hub caps
• Grey leather interior appears to be largely original with some age to note
• Seats in presentable condition with some wear to note as shown
• Door cards show light staining to door pockets as shown
• Later MkIII with wind up windows and improved ventilation
• Veneer to dashboard clock surround in good general condition
• Leather seats have been recently fed and preserved
• Passenger seat has had some recent stitching repairs
• Original carpets present well for their age with light age to note
• Auxiliary switches to right of steering column and radio under dash roll

The Mechanics

• 998cc A-Series engine
• 4-speed manual transmission
• Recently subject to extensive recommissioning work
• This work is summarised above and below
• Full brake and clutch hydraulics overhaul completed
• New master cylinders, brake hoses and slave cylinders fitted
• New battery installed
• New distributor cap and leads
• Fuel system has been thoroughly cleaned out
• Fresh coolant added during recommissioning
• No reported running or driving issues

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..