Wolseley Six (1975 – 1975) Review

If you want a Princess this is definitely the one to have. When launched, the Princess was a three-marque range known collectively as the Austin-Morris 18-22 Series. The Wolseley was the luxurious model which sat proudly atop the range, and although few people suspected so at launch in 1975, it would be the last car to wear the illuminated badge, and would remain in production for just six months.

The Wolseley was available only with the 2227cc six-cylinder engine (Austin and Morrises were also available with four cylinders) carried over from the Wolseley 'Landcrab' Six. At the front was a much shrunken version of the traditional Wolseley grille and light-up badge, the distinctive shape of the car dictating no room for anything larger. The interior was as luxurious as ever (although velour had replaced leather), and refinement was impressive.

With transverse front-wheel drive - very unusual for a straight-six - and Hydragas suspsension, this was a very technically interesting car. But due to British Leyland reorganisation in 1975, the Austin, Morris and Wolseley models were rebranded the marqueless Princess instead - with the Wolseley being replaced by the 2200HLS.