Wolseley 1500

1957 to 1965
Overview
Manufacturer	BMC
Production	1957-1965 39,568 (Riley) 103,394 (Wolseley)
Assembly	United Kingdom Victoria Park, Australia
Body and chassis
Class	midsize car
Body style	4-door saloon
Related	Morris Major Austin Lancer
Powertrain
Engine	1489 cc L B-Series Straight-4
Transmission	4-speed manual synchromesh on top 3 ratios
Dimensions
Wheelbase	86 in (2,184 mm)
Length	152 in (3,861 mm))
Width	60.5 in (1,537 mm)
Height	59.5 in (1,511 mm)
Curb weight	2,072 lb (940 kg)

The Riley One-Point-Five and similar Wolseley 1500 were motor vehicles based on the Morris Minor floorpan, suspension and steering but fitted with the larger 1489 cc B-Series engine and MG Magnette gearbox. Launched in 1957, the twins were differentiated by nearly 20 hp (15 kW), the Riley having twin SU carburettors giving it the most power at 68 hp (50 kW). The Wolseley was released in April of that year, while the Riley appeared in November, directly after the 1957 London Motor Show.

The Series II model came out 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 Wolseley also had a Series III launched in October 1961 which featured a revised grille and rear lights.

In October 1962 the car 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 1,489 cc engine size with which they had been launched back in 1957.

Production ended in 1965 with 39,568 Rileys and 103,394 Wolseleys made.

Engines

• 1.2 L (1200 cc) B-Series I4, Irish Market only.
• 1.5 L (1489 cc) B-Series I4, 62 hp (46 kW)

Differences

The One-Point-Five and its 1500 sibling had a number of differences, with the Wolseley generally being the less well-equipped model:

• Engine - The Riley benefited from dual SU H4 carburettors while the Wolseley received only one, the  distribution of weight was 56.6 % to  front axle, and 43.4 % rear axle.
• Exterior - The front panel and grille looks similar on both cars, but is different. The stainless trim along the side of the cars is different, as well.
• Dashboard - Both cars received wooden dashboards. While the Riley had a full complement of gauges (speedometer, tachometer, and temp/oil/fuel) placed directly in front of the driver, the Wolseley made do with only the speedometer and temp/oil/fuel gauges, which were placed in the centre of the dashboard.
• Brakes - The Riley was equipped with a larger Girling braking system, while the Wolseley received a smaller Lockheed system. The Girling brakes on the Riley One-Point-Five were often sought out by Morris Minor owners looking a way to upgrade their brakes.

PERFORMANCE:

• Engine Capacity 91.07 cu in, 1489 cu cm
• Fuel Consumption 33.2 m/imp gal, 27.6 m/US gal, 8.5 | x 100 km
• Max Speed 78 mph, 125.6 km/h
• max power (SAE): 51 hp at 4200 rpm
• max torque (SAE): 77 1b ft, 10.6 kgm at 2000 rpm
• max number of engine rpm: 4600
• specific power: 34.3 hp/l
• power-weight ratio: 38.6 lb/hp, 17.5 kg/hp
• acceleration: 0—50 mph, (0 —80 km/h) 14.6 sec

1964 Wolseley 1500 in Heartbeat, TV series ITV