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Wolseley

14/56 S2 Police Car, 1937

Image copyright © BMIHT
Make
Wolseley
Manufacturer
Austin Motor Company Ltd.
Location Made
Birmingham
Accession Number
L1980-8-17
Collection
Private Loan
Type
Car
Status
On loan from a private collection
Engine
6 cyl, 1818 cc, 56 bhp
Fuel
Petrol
Top Speed
75 mph (121 km/h)
Body Style
Saloon
Price When New
£275
Materials
metal, rubber, glass, textiles
Dimensions
4389mm (l), 1737mm (w), 1707mm (h)
Location
Museum

Between 1935 and 1938 Wolseley introduced no less than eight Series II models, from the 1.3 litre 10 hp to the 3 1⁄2 litre 25 hp limousine - most were six cylinders. In Britain, only Vauxhall made more sixes than Wolseley, leader of the market for medium-sized quality cars.

The 14/56 was the smallest six and best-seller of the range, 14,000 being built. The 18/80 was a companion model with a 2.3 litre engine. The 14/56 and 18/80 established Wolseley as preferred make for many constabularies, in particular the Met. For this reason, the car displayed is shown in police livery typical of the 1930s, although this car is privately owned and has been in the same family since new.