Although influenced by Morris and MG since 1927, Wolseley products retained some individuality for many years. During the 1950's Riley, MG and Wolseley, which were all part of BMC, all issued models which shared a likeness. Coil and wishbone front suspension was employed, with elliptical springs and telescopic shock absorbers at the rear. The car was equipped with hydraulic brakes and a hydraulically operated clutch. The interior appointment was very good for a car in the price range, with extensive use of wood, leather seats and a good level of instrumentation. The model was introduced in 1953 and continued as the 444 until 1956, when with the use of the B series 1489cc engine, it became the 15/50. The Wolseley 15/60 appearing in 1959 was a completely new car, employing the new Farina styled body.

The company was originally the Wolseley Sheep Shearing Company of 1896. Wolseley came into Morris ownership in 1927 and was absorbed into BMC at the formation in 1952, later to become British Leyland in 1975.The Wolseley name has always been applied to the models at the upper end of the range of cars offered. This particular car was sold new by Elkins of Westbury Leigh in 1955 and purchased by Mr WF Collis of Calne in 1957. The car was used by Mr Collis for 30 years and maintained by Zebedee & Powney of Calne throughout that time. The car was purchased by the Atwell Wilson museum in 1989.

General Information
REGISTRATION NUMBER	LWV 430
AWMMT Cat No	150
MANUFACTURER	Wolseley
PARENT COMPANY	BMC
MODEL	444
MILEAGE	61170
YEAR	1955
ENGINE
CUBIC CAPACITY	1250cc
BORE	66.5mm
STROKE	90mm
CYLINDERS	4
COMPRESSION RATIO	7.3:1
VALVE GEAR	OHV
FUELLING	Electric Fuel Pump
CARBURETTORS	Single SU
IGNITION	12V Coil & Contact Breaker
HP/BHP	46 BHP
TORQUE	No Data Available
TRANSMISSION
MAKE	BMC
TYPE	Manual (Column Change)
NUMBER OF FORWARD SPEEDS	4