The Riley One-Point-Five and similar Wolseley 1500 were produced by Riley and Wolseley respectively from 1957 until 1965. They utilised the Morris Minor floorpan, suspension and steering, but were fitted with the larger 1,489 cc (90.9 cu in) B-Series engine and MG Magnette gearbox.
The two models were differentiated by nearly 20 hp (15 kW), the Riley having twin SU carburettors giving it more power at 68 hp (50 kW). The Wolseley was released in April 1957 and the Riley was launched in November, directly after the 1957 London Motor Show.
The Wolseley 1500 was built as the sister car to the Riley One-Point-Five. Produced over almost exactly the same time span as the Riley, there were nearly 2.5 times more Wolseleys than Rileys, with just over 100,000 being built. Although some say that the Wolseley was inferior to the Riley, this is a little unfair, as it was aimed at a slightly different market, where less speed and more economy and value was important.
From a distance, the two cars can be almost indistinguishable from each other, with only the grill shape being the great give away. On closer inspection however there are a number of significant differences which make both cars quite separate in their own way.
Externally there are a number of differences, with the marque grills most noticeable, along with the obvious differences in the name scripts and badges. There are also minor differences in the chrome trims to the wings, headlights surrounds and rear number plate light. However all the major body panels (albeit with small changes to the front panel) glass and bumpers are the same.
Internally, the Wolseley has quite a different dashboard. Without a rev counter the major dials are gathered more in the centre of the dash (a little like the Minis layout), although there is still the familiar speedometer and water temp/oil pressure/fuel guage dials. Some Wolseleys were also fitted with a cheaper Rexine option to the leather seats (aimed at the fleet market).
Mechanically there are quite a few differences that distinquish the two cars apart. The main one is the tune of the engine in the Wolseley. Although still the old reliable ‘B’ series BMC engine, it has a lower spec than the Riley and produces a lot less power – the main differences are the fitment of a single SU carburetor and the use of a milder camshaft. Also the brakes are different with the Wolseley using 8″inch Lockheed drums at the front compared with the Rileys 9″ drums. There are also a number of minor changes including the lack of a rev counter and no reversing light switch.
The Series II was released in May 1960. The most notable external difference was the hidden boot and bonnet hinges. Interior storage was improved with the fitting of a full width parcel shelf directly beneath the fascia.
The Series III was introduced in October 1961, featuring revisions to the grille and front and rear lights.
In October 1962 the cars received the more robust crank, bearing and other details of the larger 1,622 cc unit now being fitted in the Austin Cambridge and its "Farina" styled clones. Unlike the Farina models, however, the Wolseley 1500 and Riley One-Point-Five retained the 1,489cc engine size with which they had been launched back in 1957.
Production ended in 1965 with 19,568 Rileys and 103,394 Wolseleys made.
The
featured car is owned by avid car collector, and indeed Wolesley collector
Dinesh Hensman. It is a Series ll car, and has never been “restored” as such.
It is unique in the sense that it has its share of dings and scratches, but
retains all the original bits – and most importantly in the Sri Lanka context
has not been “butchered”. It starts and drives as a twin-SU-carburetor car
should.
We
at Motor are happy that this car is with Dinesh who is a real enthusiast
and indeed it will be well looked after.
