Wolseley 15/50

Infobox Automobile
name = Wolseley 15/50


manufacturer = BMC
production = 1956-1958br>12,352cite book |last=Robson |first=Graham |title=A-Z British Cars 1945-1980|year=2006 |publisher=Herridge & Sons |location=Devon, UK|id=ISBN 0-9541063-9-3 ]
engine = 1489 cc B-Series Straight-4
transmission = 4 speed manual
predecessor = Wolseley 4/44
successor = Wolseley 15/60
wheelbase = convert|102|in|mm|abbr=on
width = convert|61|in|mm|abbr=on
length = convert|173|in|mm|abbr=on
height = convert|60|in|mm|abbr=on
body_style = 4-door saloon
designer = Gerald Palmer
related = MG Magnette

The Wolseley 15/50 was an updated version of the Wolseley 4/44. The main change was the engine; the 4/44 used a Morris 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 engined. Much of the design was shared with the MG Magnette.

Unlike the MG, the 15/50 engine had only a single SU carburettor so the power output was slightly less at convert|55|bhp|abbr=on 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 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 convert|9|in|mm|abbr=on 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 convert|77.9|mph|km/h|abbr=on and could accelerate from 0-convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on in 26.7 seconds. A fuel consumption of convert|28.7|mpgimp|L/100 km mpgus was recorded. The test car cost £1011 including taxes of £338.cite journal | authorlink = Unsigned | title = The Wolseley Fifteen-fifty| journal = The Motor | volume = | pages = | date = Feb 6 1957]

It was replaced in 1958 by the Farina styled Wolseley 15/60.

References