The Wolseley 15/50 was an updated version of the Wolseley 4/44. The main change was the engine; the 4/44 used a pre BMC Morris XPA unit and after the MG TF stopped production it was the only car still fitted with it. To rationalise production the 15/50 was launched with the BMC B-series engine fitted. Much of the design was shared with the

MG Magnette The MG Magnette is an automobile that was produced by MG between 1953 and 1968. The Magnette was manufactured in two build series, the ZA and ZB of 1953 through to 1958 and the Mark III and Mark IV of 1959 through to 1968, both using a modified ...

, although some of the panels of the MG Magnette ZA/ZB (e.g. the

boot A boot is a type of footwear. Most boots mainly cover the foot and the ankle, while some also cover some part of the lower calf. Some boots extend up the leg, sometimes as far as the knee or even the hip. Most boots have a heel that is c ...

and rear wings) are not interchangeable with those of the Wolseley 15/50, as stated in

Practical Classics ''Practical Classics'', started in 1980, is a British magazine about classic cars. It focuses on affordable classic cars for the man in the street, as well as more expensive and exotic cars that have now become affordable. It has always had a str ...

Unlike the MG, the 15/50 engine had only a single SU carburettor so the power output was slightly less at at 4400 rpm. Unlike the 4/44, the 15/50 had a floor gear change. From 1956 a "Manumatic" two pedal (centrifugal clutch) transmission was an option. This was controlled by a micro switch hidden in the gear lever operating a vacuum servo. Having no synchromesh on bottom gear could make changes into the lowest ratio, which would normally require double declutching, difficult. The construction was

monocoque Monocoque ( ), also called structural skin, is a structural system in which loads are supported by an object's external skin, in a manner similar to an egg shell. The word ''monocoque'' is a French term for "single shell". First used for boats, ...

with independent suspension at the front by coil springs and a live rear axle with semi elliptic leaf springs. The steering was rack and pinion and Lockheed brakes were fitted with drums all round In keeping with the up-market positioning of the Wolseley brand the car had upmarket trim with polished walnut dashboard and door cappings and leather seats and a traditional Wolseley radiator grille with illuminated badge. The individual front seats were placed very closely together to allow the car to be used as a six-seater albeit marginal but it was usually sold as a four seater. The handbrake lever was under the dash. A heater was fitted as standard.

Performance

An example with Manumatic transmission tested by the British ''The Motor'' magazine in 1957 had a top speed of and could accelerate from 0- in 26.7 seconds. A fuel consumption of was recorded. The test car cost £1011 including taxes of £338. It was replaced in 1958 by the Farina styled

Wolseley 15/60 The Wolseley 15/60 is an automobile which was produced from 1958 to 1961, and then, as the Wolseley 16/60, from 1961 to 1971. The 15/60 was the first of the mid-sized Pininfarina-styled automobiles manufactured by the British Motor Corporation ( ...

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wolseley 15 50 Cars introduced in 1956 15 50 Compact executive cars Rear-wheel-drive vehicles Sedans