The Series III cars
By early 1945, it was clear that the war would soon end and management of the Wolseley company were setting out their plans for a return to peace time operations.
The models to be reintroduced ranged from a limousine version of the large 25 h.p. model to the new Wolseley “Eight” that had originally been scheduled for release in 1939 but postponed by the outbreak of of war.
It was eventually decided that a start would be made on the production of the “Twelve”, “Fourteen” and “Eighteen”, since these could together be produced on a single assembly line.
In April 1945, shortly before V.E. Day, the company received an order from the War Office for a fleet of Wolseley “Eighteens”. The “Eighteen” therefore became the first model to go into production. As soon as the Government contract was completed, “Eighteens” for civilian use came off the production lines, soon to be followed by the “Fourteen” and “Twelve”.
The “Ten” came next and there were also limited numbers of the “25” produced.
The Series III cars stayed in production until 1948 when a new range appeared.
10/40: In the autumn of 1938 a new 10 h.p. car was marketed until private car manufacture had to give way to war production. It was a four-seater saloon with the refinements to be expected in a Wolseley. It was equipped with the “Bevelift” jacking system, a synchromesh gearbox, an adjustable steering wheel, window draught excluders and leather trim.
12/48: The 12/48 used the 1548cc OHV engine used in various Morris and Wolseley cars throughout the 1930's. It shared its chassis with the 10/40 and its coachwork resembled that of the the larger Wolseley cars. The 12/48 came with a sunshine roof and built-in hydraulic jacks of the "Jackall" type.
14/60: The 14/60 used a 60bhp, twin carburetor, six cylinder engine and was capable of 70 mph.
18/85: The 18/85 became famous for its role as a Police car, and can be seen in many old movies of the period. It had a powerful 85 bhp six cylinder engine, developed from the MG SA. It was equipped with "Nightpass" lights, which had an unusual anti dazzle, dipped headlamp and driving lamp arrangement.
25: The Wolseley 25 was the largest Wolseley and was equipped with a 3 ½ litre engine that produced 110 bhp giving the car good performance for its day. Postwar 25's were limousines built on a separate chassis with a 141" wheelbase.