Description

1932 Wolseley Hornet Special JOHN SEBER -

SEE VIDEO at VSCC Curborough 4 May 2024 - 1st on Handicap - please ask

Owned by Wolseley Hornet Special Club member Julian Brownridge of Rochester since 1965, he used this car in club events and car meetings - see mono photo here.

Along the way he decided to upgrade this car to competition specification - and commenced with the task. Unfortunately he died, and so the car found its way to John Seber to complete

Purchased we are told by the current owner in October 2022 direct from John Seber - he had just finished the rebuild which took approximately 2 years to complete to his very special high standards, which included the engine.

Well known for producing Wolseley Hornet racing special Specials, some of Seber's cars were even supercharged.

Over 40 factory Wolseley Hornet special Specials were rebuilt by John Seber in his workshops - many residing in Germany - a popular country for these 6-cylinder cars.

John Seber built the engine of this car to his usual racing standards. The engine is the larger 1935 14 HP version of 1604cc of 61.5 mm bore and 90mm stroke with a full 12 port cross flow head...Phoenix crank and rods, high compression pistons, special cam etc. At a guess these days John reckons an engine to this standard may well cost over £27,000 to build...

With rare and elegant original body by Swallow, it is one of an estimated 20 examples in this form.

With VSCC passport, this car was seen this month at VSCC Curborough in the hands of Jack Bond, young works driver at TipTop Engineering. Jack got 1st on Handicap.

Please enquire, asking £42,750

_____________________________________________________

The Hornet was introduced in April 1930 and offered until 1936 in 4 forms including a coupe, saloon, two-seater sports and the option in rolling chassis form for coachwork to buyers choice.

Many of the 1930-1932 period cars were fitted with special bodies when new or nearly new, and for the 1932 season, Wolseley offered a standard Hornet ‘chassis supplied to coachbuilders’ for special bodywork. This was still not the real Hornet Special which occurred mid-way through the 1932 season.

The Hornet Special always had two carburettors, and most of them are likely to have had centre-lock wire wheels although the Special was also offered with bolt-on wire wheels. The standard Hornet had but a single carburettor, and bolt-on wheels.

The Wolseley company was purchased by William Morris from the receivers in 1927.

_______________________

Although we attempt to ensure accuracy of any statement or detail, the customer must make his or her own judgement in purchasing this car. The purchaser of the above car understands that he or she is purchasing a historic motor car with components that are up to 92 years old and sold as a collector item. There is no warranty given or implied due to the age of the car.