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Overview: The **Wolseley 1100/1300** (1965-73) was a **badge-engineered variant** of the **BMC ADO16**, designed to offer a **more luxurious take** on the popular front-wheel-drive platform. It played a crucial role in **maintaining Wolseley’s presence** in the British car market while aligning with British Leyland’s strategy of **streamlining production**. 

**Significance to Wolseley** 

• **Luxury-Oriented Variant**: The Wolseley 1100/1300 featured **higher-quality interior trim**, **wood veneer dashboard**, and **distinctive grille**, reinforcing Wolseley’s reputation for **upmarket refinement**. 

• **Front-Wheel-Drive Innovation**: As part of the ADO16 family, it benefited from **Alec Issigonis’ advanced engineering**, offering **superior handling and comfort** compared to traditional rear-wheel-drive rivals. 

• **Market Positioning**: It provided a **premium alternative** to the **Austin and Morris 1100/1300**, appealing to buyers who wanted **classic British elegance** in a compact package.

•  **Export Success**: The model was sold in **various international markets**, including **South Africa**, where it was badged as the **Wolseley 11/55**. 

• **End of an Era**: The Wolseley 1100/1300 was one of the **last Wolseley models**, as British Leyland phased out the brand in the **mid-1970s**, replacing the ADO16 range with the **Austin Allegro**. 

Despite being a **badge-engineered model**, the Wolseley 1100/1300 retained a **distinct identity**, offering a **blend of luxury and practicality** that made it a **popular choice among British motorists** Review | Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/wolseley/11001300/). 

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Production Total: The **Wolseley 1100/1300** was produced between **1965 and 1973**, with approximately **17,397 units** of the **1100 variant** and **27,470 units** of the **1300 variant** built. This model was part of the **BMC ADO16 family**, offering a **luxury-oriented take** on the popular front-wheel-drive platform.

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Sales: The **Wolseley 1100/1300** was part of the **hugely successful BMC ADO16 range**, which was **Britain’s best-selling car** throughout much of the **1960s and early 1970s** development story - AROnline](https://www.aronline.co.uk/cars/bmc/1100-1300/ado16-development-story/). While the Wolseley variant was a **luxury-oriented version**, it still benefited from the **strong sales** of the ADO16 platform, with **17,397 units of the 1100** and **27,470 units of the 1300** produced.

Although it didn’t sell in the same numbers as the **Austin and Morris versions**, the Wolseley 1100/1300 provided a **prestige option** for buyers who wanted **classic British elegance** in a compact package.

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Overview: The **Wolseley 1500** (1957-65) was a **key model** for Wolseley, marking the brand’s return to the **compact luxury car market** after World War II. It was designed as an **upmarket alternative** to the **Morris Minor**, offering a blend of **traditional British elegance** with **modern engineering**.

**Significance to Wolseley**

- **Luxury Compact Concept**: The 1500 was originally intended as a **re-styled Morris Minor**, but strong Minor sales led BMC to reposition it as a **small sports saloon**.

- **Premium Features**: It featured **walnut veneer trim**, **leather seating**, and a **distinctive Wolseley grille**, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for **refinement**.

- **Performance Upgrade**: Equipped with a **1489cc B-Series engine**, it offered **better power and cruising ability** than the Minor.

- **Market Success**: The 1500 became **Wolseley’s best-selling model**, proving that there was demand for **compact yet luxurious British cars**.

- **Foundation for Future Models**: It influenced later Wolseley designs, including the **Wolseley 1100/1300**, which continued the brand’s focus on **small, elegant saloons**.

Despite its **badge-engineered origins**, the Wolseley 1500 carved out its own identity, blending **style, comfort, and practicality** in a way that appealed to **discerning buyers**.

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Production Total: The **Wolseley 1500** was produced between **1957 and 1965**, with a total of **103,394 units** built - Motor Car History](https://motor-car.net/wolseley/item/10753-wolseley-1500-1957-65). This stylish compact saloon was a **successful upmarket alternative** to the Morris Minor, blending **luxury and practicality**.

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Sales: The **Wolseley 1500** was a **sales success**, becoming the **best-selling model** ever to bear the Wolseley name. It was originally intended as a **re-styled Morris Minor**, but strong Minor sales led BMC to reposition it as a **small sports saloon**. This decision paid off, as the 1500 offered a **blend of luxury, practicality, and performance**, making it a **popular choice** among British motorists.

With **103,394 units produced**, the Wolseley 1500 proved there was demand for **compact yet refined British cars**, reinforcing Wolseley’s reputation for **affordable elegance**.

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Overview: The **Wolseley 18/85** was a **luxury-oriented variant** of the **BMC ADO17** range, produced between **1967 and 1972**. It played a crucial role in maintaining **Wolseley’s reputation for refinement**, offering a **premium alternative** to the Austin and Morris versions of the same platform.

**Significance to Wolseley**

- **Luxury Features**: The 18/85 was equipped with **wood veneer trim, plush upholstery, and power steering**, reinforcing Wolseley’s status as a **prestige brand**.

- **Performance Upgrade**: Powered by a **1.8L B-Series engine**, it delivered **85bhp**, providing a balance of **comfort and drivability**.

- **Distinct Identity**: Despite sharing its underpinnings with the **Austin 1800 and Morris 1800**, the Wolseley 18/85 stood out with its **signature grille and upscale interior**.

- **Evolution into the Six**: In **1972**, British Leyland introduced the **Wolseley Six**, featuring a **2.2L straight-six engine**, further enhancing the model’s appeal.

- **End of an Era**: The 18/85 was one of the **last Wolseley models**, as British Leyland phased out the brand in the **mid-1970s**.

With **35,597 units produced**, the **Wolseley 18/85** remains a **classic example** of British luxury motoring, blending **comfort, style, and practicality**.

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Production Total: 35,597 

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Sales: The **Wolseley 18/85** had **moderate sales success**, with **35,597 units produced**. While it offered **luxury features** and a **refined driving experience**, it struggled against more mainstream competitors like the **Ford Cortina**. The model was part of the **ADO17 range**, which was praised for its **spacious interior and advanced engineering**, but it never achieved the sales figures BMC had hoped for.

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Overview: The **Wolseley Hornet** (1962-69) was a **badge-engineered luxury variant** of the **Mini**, designed to offer a **more refined and upmarket alternative** to the standard Austin and Morris versions. It played a crucial role in **maintaining Wolseley’s presence** in the compact car market while aligning with British Motor Corporation’s strategy of **brand differentiation**.

**Significance to Wolseley**

- **Luxury Mini Concept**: The Hornet featured **higher-quality interior trim**, **wood veneer dashboard**, and a **distinctive Wolseley grille**, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for **prestige and refinement**.

- **Extended Boot Design**: Unlike the standard Mini, the Hornet had a **longer rear end**, providing **more luggage space** and a **sleeker profile**.

- **Market Positioning**: It provided a **premium alternative** to the Mini, appealing to buyers who wanted **classic British elegance** in a compact package.

- **Shared Engineering**: The Hornet retained the **Mini’s front-wheel-drive layout**, benefiting from **Alec Issigonis’ advanced engineering**, which offered **superior handling and efficiency**.

- **End of an Era**: The Hornet was one of the **last Wolseley models**, as British Leyland phased out the brand in the **mid-1970s**, replacing the Mini-based variants with the **Austin Metro**.

Despite being a **badge-engineered model**, the Wolseley Hornet retained a **distinct identity**, offering a **blend of luxury and practicality** that made it a **popular choice among British motorists**.

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Production Total: The **Wolseley Hornet** was produced between **1962 and 1969**, with a total of **28,455 units** built. This stylish, upmarket version of the Mini offered **luxury features** and a **distinctive extended boot**, making it a unique entry in the compact car market.

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Sales: The **Wolseley Hornet** had **moderate sales success**, with **28,455 units produced** between **1962 and 1969**. While it offered **luxury features** and a **distinctive extended boot**, it was ultimately a **niche model** within the Mini-based lineup. It appealed to buyers looking for a **more refined alternative** to the standard Mini, but it never reached the same **mass-market popularity** as its Austin and Morris counterparts.

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