Wolseley Special Club of Inc

Hornet Special Newsletter

January 2006 Issue 24 Where’s this Wasp?

en Zinner is well respected in Melbourne for his mechanical wizardry with old race cars, so it can only be for sentimental reasons that he’s trying to discover whatever happened to the 1935 9hp Wasp coupe his Kbrother Ron owned around 1954 in Warragul an hour east of Melbourne. After many, many hours of research, Ken has put together the following pieces of the car’s life story. In April 1937 the coupe was black in colour when registered 259-324 in to Cyril Waters, a primary producer of Warragul. The car had previously been Victo- rian registered 241-931 and had a dicky seat. Ron Zinner bought the car in Warragul around 1954, when Ken rebuilt its en- gine. During the rebuild Ken discovered that one of the ports in the exhaust manifold was only about a half inch Highlights in diameter. He assumed it was a production fault, enlarged the hole and dra- State News ...2 matically improved the Imitations ...3 car’s performance. [The Advertised ...4 matter of blanked off ex- Sanction Nos ...6 haust manifolds has been covered in WHSCA More stuff ...7 Newsletters 21 and 22.] Ron kept the car about two years before selling it to a Mr or Mrs Stoll who lived in the same area. Ken’s best ef- WHS Club Contacts forts to find the right Stoll Secretary family have been in vain. Bill Russell, Can any reader shed ph (03) 9349 2262 some light on the car’s Qld Contact fate? Howard Kenward, ph (07) 3267 6046 Ron Zinner’s 9hp coupe Editor tackling a rough track John Clucas, northeast of Warragul ph (03) 9872 3330 around 1955. PO Box 475 Vermont Vic 3133 [email protected] STATE NEWS

WA ACT The Mackintosh boys are working steadily on their 1933 Mike Ryves is focused on restoring his ’34 WHS 12hp. car and hope to have a concours winner when finished – This will be a lovely and historic example when in similar condition to the ex-Brooklands, Bartlett Spe- completed, not least because the two-door, four-seat body cial their late father Alan raced for many years in WA. is by Flood of Melbourne. The front of the body is com- Now Peter Partridge has retired he may find time to plete back to the scuttle and Mike has the doors and some rebuild his 1934 Hornet Special – the very attractive ex- side/rear timbers, but he has asked if anyone has details Brammer car. of Flood bodies (or parts thereof) so he can keep the car Bob Grantham has had his car out on a few runs authentic. since finishing it, but he now seems to be taking a well Mike is also seeking wheels and hubs, without which earned rest. the aim of having a mobile chassis is rather awkward. Peter Wells’s 1935 Fourteen (unfortunately not a Spe- Also missing are some engine parts (including the water cial) is virtually finished and should be on the road very pump and generator) and all the instruments. Mike would soon, health permitting. It has been driven around the block appreciate a call if anyone can help, phone (02) 6247 (Don’t tell the cops!), so at least we know it goes. 3524. NSW John Prentice’s car is running sweetly and is soooooooo close to being delivered to the motor trimmer John Summerfield reports that there’s not much to re- in Sydney. Estimates of 5-10 days work to have the ’34 port, although one item of interest is that Bill Trollope two-door, four-seater ready are being rumoured, with help has started a full blown restoration of his car. It was sug- coming from fellow WHS enthusiasts everywhere. gested to him that a sympathetic restoration might be in All instruments and dash lights are now fitted, as well order – to retain the car’s 1960s patina. However the more as running board strips (from UK), rear number plate Bill examined the car the more he found wanting, so he bracket and tail lights, windscreen, doors furniture and decided to go the full bit. floor hatch covers. The wiper motor was nice outside but Evidently Alec Brown’s Hornet Special is still for a mess internally - good original internals were found and sale. Details appeared in Newsletter 22. fitted. The original bucket seats are basically in good con- VIC dition and are being overhauled, with adjustable runners John Clucas has finally finished the new timber frame fitted. A new rear bench seat is being made. on his 1935 14hp Hornet Special and the sheetmetal work Having identified the body maker as ‘Olding - is now underway. His engine is also at the rebuilders, so Coachcraft’ of Sydney, Gerry Dunford has gone one bet- some hefty bills are expected very shortly. ter and has had the coachbuilder’s plate from his car copied Alec Sturgess has been building mockups of body- for John’s. What a wonderful gesture - many thanks Gerry! work to get the proportions just right for his 1935 12hp Lots of little bits that need electroplating keep being found, Hornet two-seater. He said the critical points are to: which is frustrating. There is a good ‘plater in Queanbeyan 1. Get the correct slope on the radiator, so it has plenty (next to Canberra) but the process takes time!! of slope but doesn’t foul on the front of the cam cover. Malcolm Smith has cleared space around his ’33 2. Make sure the bonnet just clears the distributor cap. and ’34 cars for good access and is now undertaking a (Alec has dropped the engine slightly to help with this.) good stocktake. Both examples are complete but 3. Get the bonnet horizontal or falling slightly to the unrestored. John Prentice reports that very recent re- front. search indicates even more strongly that the ’33 is one 4. Get the clearance between tyres and wings just right. of the team of three that raced so successfully According to Alec, when you think you’ve got it look- at Maroubra. ing just right, you come back the next day and decide it The new evidence has apparently come from John all needs changing again. Sherwood, the car’s previous owner. [OK you ACT guys, It’s good to hear that Jeremy Williams is having whetted our appetites with the mystery, how about recommissioning his ‘34 Wolseley Hornet Saloon. The an explanation for the next WHSCA newsletter -Ed.] It is car is currently having a little engine work done by Louis wonderful to know that this original and historic car sur- Santin at his Classic Car Restorations in Richmond. vives and, with a little coaxing, runs!

Page 2 Hornet Special Newsletter When a Hornet’s not a Hornet? n 1820 Charles Caleb Colton wrote “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”, so any Hornet owner Iwho believes that now-famous saying should feel flattered. Because since then there’s been no end to the number of go-fast machines named after the fabled Wolseley Hornet. Back in 1951 the Hudson Motor Car Company put the Hornet badge on its new 308 cubic inch V8-engined hottie. This Hudson Hornet went on to win 27 of the 34 NASCAR Grand National races in 1952, followed by 22 of 37 in 1953, and 17 of 37 in 1954. American Motors Corporation continued the trend in the US, borrowing the Wolseley model name again for its Rambler Hornet built from 1968 to 1976. And Japan fi- nally succumbed to the temptation, with Honda adopting the name for its current Honda Hornet CB900 motor bike. Even in Australia the famed Hornet has made its mark. Octane Magazine recently reported that Perth business The Triumph Centre is stripping down TR7s, rebuilding them with V8 engines, transmissions, suspensions and interior to customer’s requirements and calling them TR7 Yes, our cars have fans all over the world. Hornets. The finished price is apparently between $30,000 and $60,000. That’s only a few of the automobiles that have flat- According to: tered the Wolseley Hornet by imitation. There are also aircraft, kit cars, one-off race cars, model cars and car www.answers.com/topic/hornet alarms. Others to have borrowed the name include the “green” character played by Bruce Lee in 20th Century hornet n. Fox’s 1966 movie production and an American gridiron Any of various large stinging wasps of the family team. And of course every student of flying knows , chiefly of the genera Vespa and Vespula, of the bug named after the original Wolseley Hornet. We that characteristically build large papery nests. should all feel flattered and most proud to be owners of [Middle English hornet, alteration (probably influ- the original and best Hornets of all. enced by horn, horn) of hernet, from Old English Next issue read about the city in Florida USA that hyrnet.] was named after the Daytona model of Wolseley Hornet Special.

According to: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Australian_hornet

The Australian Hornet ( ephippium, also known as a Potter or Mason Wasp) is a vespid And just for the record native to the , , and states Common names for Hornets in other countries are: of Australia. The Australian Hornet is a solitary Germany: Hornisse; Spain: Abejorro, Avispon; France: insect, forming small nests against buildings and Frelon, Guêpe frelon, Guichard; Italy: Calabrone; Poland: other structures. The adult hornet feeds off of Szersze; Portugal: Vespa grande; Netherlands: Hoornaar; flower nectar while the larvae are fed caterpillars Sweden: Bålgeting; Denmark: Skovgedehams; Latvia/ captured by the adults. Lettonie: sirsenis oder irsis; Russia: scherschen; Finland: herhiläinen, herhiläiset.

Issue 24 Page 3 RECENTLY For Sale at Grand Prix Classics, La Jolla, California, in January 2006

Make:Wolseley Model:Hornet Special Type:SPECIAL Year:1935 Chassis #:175625 Color:Ivory body with polished aluminum bonnet Interior:Green leather Condition:This car has a Whittingham and Mitchell body with full road equip- ment, driving lamps, turn indicators, removable full windscreen, plus twin Brooklands screens, a new canvas convertible top, side curtains and leather upholstery. 16” wire wheels are on the car, plus a set of 5 original 18” rebuilt wire wheels. The engine has been professionally rebuilt by Bill Schlossnagel with a steel billet crankshaft, special insert bearings and billet rods by Cogswell. New rockers, pistons and cylinders, an MGB racing clutch and aluminum racing radiator to exact original specifications. Custom built correct type exhaust manifold. Gearbox is stock with square cut gears. Differ- ential is an MGB type with 4.3:1 gears. Spares include two MGB types with 4.5:1 and 4.87:1 with limited slip as well as the original rear end and other original parts. History:Wolsely Mototrs Ltd. of Birmingham, England built the Wolsely Hornet special in the early 1930’s. The Specials were available with different coach built bodies, on a sporting chassis and powered by a six cylinder overhead cam engine. These cars were quite popular in their day and had some competi- tion success in their class. Today they are an entry into the prewar class at many historic racing venues around the world. Comments:A well prepared Prewar English sports car. For the enthusiast who desires an entrée in the Prewar group without paying a six or seven figure price. Awards:More information to be posted at a later date. Price:$35,000 [Ed: Yes this is the Butch Buccarelli car we featured on the cover of edition 19] ADVERTISED

Failed to sell, again Readers will recall that in edition 21 of this newsletter mention was made of the 1934 WHS Special (pictured left) that was for sale on eBay around March last year. At the time a bid of US$10,850 was insufficient to temp the owner to sell it. We now report that the car reappeared on eBay late in 2005, with an opening bid by the owner of US$15,000. [Hardly surprising it failed to sell again, considering how much work it needed - Ed.]

Recently advertised by Barry Hodson Motorsport in Leicester, UK.

For Sale on eBay.co.uk late in January 2006 1931 Wolseley Hornet Sports Maltby Bodied 4 str. Tourer First registered March 3, 1931. Believed to be the sole survivor, this car has been off the road in dry storage in excess of 25 years. Prior to storage the hood, sidescreens, carpets and upholstery were replaced and are in excellent condi- tion, apart from a tiny bit of damage to two seat swabs. The remainder of the car requires restoration, although it is very solid and straight. The car is extremely original, including: the six cylinder OHC engine with vertical dynamo, hydraulic brakes, [correct for this model!], full instruments, number plate etc. V5C documents. The car is 99% complete and this is an excellent opportunity of obtaining such a rare, attractive car. The owner started the bidding at 4500 pounds, but no further bids were received over a week before the car was withdrawn from sale..

Aussie Hornet fame abounds The four page article introduces readers to the ori- gins of Wolseley and the evolution of Hornets before In case you missed it, Hornets have been in the Australian launching into the specifications and niceties of press again. Bill Russell and 155318 received Chris’s car. It’s a good read; there are plenty of pho- marvelous coverage in Melbourne’s Age newspaper tos and the car is reviewed very fairly. in February last year (see WHSCA Newsletter 21), Perhaps less famously, Chris’s car also featured but now Chris Pike and 157418 have had equally good in John Summerfield’s story on the back page of coverage, in the November 2005 edition of Austral- WHSCA Newsletter 23. ian Classic Car.

Issue 24 Page 5 SANCTION NUMBERS Club registrar Michael Santin has been trying to make sense of which Wolseley sanction numbers relate to which vehicles. The following table summarises his findings to date and is published here to invite comment. Michael can be contacted at [email protected] or phone 0415 509914.

Sanction Car Year Other Car No 116 21/60 34 SWB Number HORNET 35 ex91A preselector cars HORNET 32 4d saloon 86902-87150 120 50 conv back to 51 HORNET 32 chass only 105001-105800 & synchro 106001-106200 124 HORNET 34 Aus Fr Whl 154001-154100 55 HORNET 32 4d saloon 87131-90000 & 125 9HP 34 107001-107730 127 SPECIAL 34 Aus HORNET 32 chass only 105951-106000 & 57 VIPER15? 34 Aus 106201-106250 128 58 VIPER 32 129 21/60 34 County 160000-161000? HORNET 34 unassemb 140001-140005 60 SPECIAL 32 hybrid? 132 ? 34 I believe this is a HORNET 32 4d saloon 107731-109230 133 64 Wolseley. (MS) 65 SPECIAL 32 106251-106800 & 134 MG N 106802-107000 135 MG P 75 HORNET 33 110001-114999 138 9HP 34 76 16 33 152 9HP 35 SPECIAL 33 120501-121650 78 156 14HP 35 HORNET 33 overseas 122501-122725 81 158 18HP 35 unassembled 159 21/60 35 84 21/60 33 SWB 163 SPECIAL 35 175506-175997 85 21/60 33 LWB 166 SPECIAL? 35 see 114A 90 VIPER 33 Australia 170 14HP 35 HORNET 33 4d saloon 115000-117968 91 WASP crash box? 177 HORNET 36 new series 500001-502500 91A HORNET 33 117969-119036 178 synchro 181 NEW 14 35 92 21/60 33 189 WASP 35 Export 107 HORNET 34 freewheel 145001-149962 190 HORNET 36 NZ deluxe 505101-505200 110 MG ? 202 WASP 36 112 9HP 34 130000- 203 HORNET 36 delux Aus 505021-505044 114 SPECIAL 34 155001-157400 & 157401-157500 SANCTION NUMBER Chassis Frame Power Unit Car Year unassembled (early) CF1 PU2 21/60 29-31 114A SPECIAL 34 hybrid? 175501-175505 with " CF1 PU3 21/60 166 eng (14hp) " CF2 PU4 VIPER 31 115 16 34 157501- " CF3 PU5 HORNET 30-31

Parts books coming soon The UK club is working towards making a copy of the many Hornet and Hornet Special publications readily available to club members (probably on CD). Parts books will be the first task. The club doesn’t hold a copy of everything ever printed and will be calling on members worldwide to arrange the scanning of books in individual members collec- tions. So, we need to know who in Australia/NZ has which books available for scanning. A list of the publications known to exist was printed on the back page of edition 22 of this newsletter. We are asking members to check which of those publications (or others not already listed) they have on their shelves and to advise our registrar Michael Santin, so he can co-ordinate the compilation of materials. Michael can be contacted as above.

Page 6 Hornet Special Newsletter retrieved the plate and secondly my wife saw Bill’s car What a Club! collection, upon which she promised to never again com- plain about my own collection. by Peter Wells The plate off Bill Russell’s car is now with John Clucas for artwork creation before a batch of ready-to- hen my wife and I arrived in Melbourne in stamp, replica plates is produced. The plates should be January, for a stay with our daughter, I decided indistinguishable from the originals, except that they will to contact the Hornet boys about obtaining a W look brand new and lack the patina of the 70-year old car number identification plate for my ’35 Fourteen originals. Note that you will have to stamp your own roadster. When I brought home the sad remains of the number. It has not been confirmed, but we believe the Fourteen some ten years ago, the brass plate was missing Hornets and Hornet Specials from 1934 and earlier were from the bulkhead. The previous owner, Ron Luscombe, fitted with a different plate - in fact with two plates, one removed it and since then I have been unable to pry it out with the car number and a smaller plate immediately be- of the possession of his now widow. Fortunately Ron had low it giving the chassis number. advised Michael Santin of the car’s number several years Pricing for the 1935 plates is still being confirmed. ago, so at least I knew what the number was. Watch this space for an update. Anyone interested in a There is only one other Fourteen in WA. It is now in plate should contact John A.S.A.P (ph 03 9872 3330). Esperance – a long way from my home town of Perth – While in Melbourne, Michael Santin was kind enough and I’ve had no luck contacting its current owner. So, in to get me a much needed photocopy of a 1935 Fourteen desperation I decided to try to locate another plate and handbook. Such generosity among members is what makes have a copy made. a good club and I thank all those concerned in this. While in Melbourne, Bill Russell confirmed for me that his 1935, sometimes 3-wheeled Hornet Sedan still [NOTE: Some enthusiasts take exception to the replica- had its plate. After a phone call to Bill Shereck (the car’s tion of vehicle identification plates. To the editor’s custodian), arrangements were made to pay him a visit knowledge the WHSCA has not yet formed a policy on to borrow the plate. This was a win/win visit. Firstly, I whether or not to condone such activities.]

The original plaque off Bill Russells’ 1935 Hornet sedan. Artwork ready for production. Sell/Swap/Wanted Sell: Wolseley publication no. 904 from 11/32 – “Hornet Chassis Supplied to Coachbuilders”. Com- plete. Intact but tired cover. Greasey finger prints on some pages. $40. John Clucas 03 9872 3330. Sell: 3no. semi-finished Hornet pistons and 3no. hub caps off a 1935 Fourteen (suitable for chroming). Peter Wells (08) 9459 1750. Swap: Andrew Provan is looking to swap Hornet engine 169/124A for a spare engine to suit his 1934 9hp machine. A sanction 124 freewheel gearbox might also go with the deal. Call Andrew on (03) 5231 2603. [An article on Andrew’s car will feature in your next newsletter.] Wanted by Mike Ryves: Various and numerous parts for his ‘34 Wolseley Hornet Special. Refer ACT state news.

Issue 24 Page 7 A fine pair of Hornets both photographed in 1937 on behalf of Sydney’s Liberty Motors - the photo above in July, the photo below in August. (State Library of NSW)