Wolseley - Wolseley Hornet
The Wolseley Hornet name was revived by the B.M.C. to use on the Wolseley version of the Mini, which was available from 1961. At the same time there was also a similar looking Riley Elf , which had a much larger boot which now had double the volume. So much so that the rear window on the Wolseley needed to be made smaller. The first model Wolseley Hornet which lasted until 1963 had the standard 848cc engine. Part way through 1963 the Wolseley Hornet Series 2 was given the new 998cc engine. This was the engine that was developed with Cooper that could have a power output of 55bhp, but in the Riley and Wolseley road car versions this engine was detuned to produced 39bhp. The final Wolseley Hornet was the Series 3 which came out in 1966 with the same mechanicals but with many refinements such as internal door hinges, wind up windows, dashboard air vents and a gear lever extension. Wolseley Hornet production went on until 1970.
Wolseley Hornet tyre size was originally 5.20x10 size, and the radial equivalent of this tyre size is 145R10. Blockley produces the best 145R10 tyre, with a steel belt construction and correct period tread pattern. We also make a wider version of this tyre (165/70R10) but suggest you stick with the standard 145R10 size. No tyre you can buy is this good! See full details of the 145R10 tyre at the link below:
For the original prewar 6 cylinder Wolseley Hornet (overhead valve 1271cc) introduced in 193, and Hornet Special (overhead camshaft 1378cc) introduced in 1935 (which both used MG engines), both were fitted with tyre size 4.75x18 from the factory, and Blockley produces the perfect 450/500x18 tyre to suit - see full details of this 18" tyre also listed at the link below:
