Wolseley 15/50 Is Comfortable Medium-Powered Car For Family

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28701, 26 September 1958, Page 11

Wolseley 15/50 Is Comfortable Medium-Powered Car For Family

rpHERE is still a sizeable mark A for medium-powered fami saloon cars which have a quali finish. One model which ca tures a large pprt of the mark is the Wolseley 15/50 saloon—<

exceptionally comfortable fourseater capable of carrying five, or even six. average-sized adults at a squeeze.

The body of the 15/50 has a modern appearance but still retains traces of the older, more conservative past. The shell is robust, and of quite heavy gauge metal, which helps to keep it free from vibration and drumming. Standard of finish is good, with real leather used to cover the seats; pile carpets on thick felt underlay for the floor; cloth for the roof lining and walnut for The facia and door cappings. Adjustable Seats

Deep cushioned seats provide a high standard of comfort and the front divided bench seats are individually adjustable. In their fully-extended position they leave just adequate knee-room for the rear seat passengers. The driver’s position is laid out conveniently and, notwithstanding the slightly offset steering column, is comfortable.

The floor-mounted gear lever of the four-spjeed gearbox falls nicely to the hand, and is so pleasant in use as to encourage the driver to make the best use of the gearbox. However, the choice of ratios, particularly that of top gear, could have been better. As a result of the rather low ratios, the 1489 c.c. overhead valve engine would seem at times to be overworking, but it js not. Engine noise is at a higher level than one has a right to expect and this is at its peak in the 30-45 miles an hour range. Access to the main components under the bonnet is generally good. Good Road-Holding

Suspension is by coil springs and semi-elliptics, providing a fine ride and assisting in good roadholding without permitting excess body roll when cornering at speed. The slight “tail-up” attitude of the car allows the big luggage boot to be fully laden without upsetting handling. Rack and pinion steering gives precise control at all times, although the

steering is rather heavier than is usually found on cars of this size nowadays. Another feature which shows traces of the past is the Lockheed hydraulic brakes. These demand quite heavy pedal pressure to make them fully effective. Nevertheless, the 15/50 has ample stopping power, and even after deliberate punishment their efficiency was unimpaired. Twin Fog Lamps

Lighting includes twin fog lamps and a reversing lamp. Inside, there -are two interior lamps operated by courtesy switches. The power of the headlaynps is ample for safe night driving at the car’s maximum speed. Visibility is of a reasonable standard, but here again we find more pointers to the age of the original body design. The nearside front wing is not visible to the/driver and the rear window could be larger. Little money need be spent on extras. Apart from the lamps, the specification caters for items like windscreen washers, heater and ventilating equipment, and an anti-dazzle rear view mirror. Factory-fitted optional extras comprise two pedal control by Manumatic transmission, radio and rim-embellishers for the wheels. This is a neat compact saloon offering a high-grade finish and

luxury standard of comfort. It is a pleasant vehicle to drive, but could hardly be said to have vivid performance. Against this, however, it is quite economical. It is the ideal car for someone who considers that quality of fittings - and luxury should take precedence over high performance.—(Central Press, Ltd. All Rights Reserved.)