Wolseley 1500
The Wolseley 1500 was built as the sister car to the Riley One-Point-Five. Produced over almost exactly the same time span as the Riley there were nearly 2.5 times more Wolseleys than Rileys, with just over 100,000 being built. Although some say that the Wolseley was inferior to the Riley this is a little unfair, as it was aimed at a slightly different market, where less speed and more economy and value was important.
The differences:-
From a distance the two cars can be almost indistinquishable from each other, with only the grill shape being the great give away. On closer inspection however there are a number of significant differences which make both cars quite seperate in their own way.
Externally there are a number of differences, with the marque grills most noticeable, along with the obvious differences in the name scripts and badges. There are also minor differences in the chrome trims to the wings, headlights surrounds and rear number plate light. However all the major body panels (albeit with small changes to the front panel) glass and bumpers are the same.
A smart early 1500.
Internally the Wolseley has quite a different dashboard. Without a rev counter the major dials are gathered more in the centre of the dash ( a little like the Minis layout), although there is still the familiar speedometer and water temp/oil pressure/fuel guage dials. Some Wolseleys were also fitted with a cheaper option to the leather seats (aimed at the fleet market) known as Rexine.
A Wolseley 1500 interior – not the different dash layout.
Mechanically there are quite a few differences that distinquish the two cars apart. The main one is the tune of the engine in the Wolseley. Although still the old reliable ‘B’ series BMC engine, it has a lower spec than the Riley and produces a lot less power – the main differences are the fitment of a single SU carburetter and the use of a milder camshaft. Also the brakes are different with the Wolseley using 8″inch Lockheed drums at the front compared with the Rileys 9″ drums. There are also a number of minor changes including the lack of a rev counter and no reversing light switch.
Riley One-Point-Five 