The Wolseley 21/60 and 21/60 "County"

For the 1930 season, Wolseley Motors introduced the range of deluxe "County" versions of their six and eight cylinder models.

The "County" cars had chromium plating to all bright outside parts, radiator shutters that were controlled from the dashboard, 12 volt lighting and starting, dual dipping headlights, safety glass, two spare wheels and an electric petrol gauge. Wire wheels were an option. Furniture hide was used for trimming and interior fittings included a parcels net.

The 21/60 6 cylinder "County" saloon deluxe had a pressed steel body that looked rather American in appearance. It was also available in chassis form.

There were glove boxes on either side of the instrument panel. The petrol gauge and water thermometer were in front of the driver, while the speedometer was centrally mounted. Controls on the dashboard were for the lights, ignition, starter, control of radiator shutters and fog light. Above the steering wheel was the handle for the electrically governed dipping headlamps and below, the electric horn. The screen could be opened, above it, on the outside, was a sun visor and, on the inside, a clock and mirror. The windscreen wipers were mechanical and could be operated whenever the car was running. The roof had a ventilator and an interior light. There were blinds over the rear quarter lights and the rear window, with the latter being able to be operated from the driver's seat. Other fittings included an electric cigarette lighter, silk cushions in the rear, an adjustable rear footrest, storage pockets on the rear of the front seats, and even an umbrella in a stand.

The honeycomb radiator had two adjustable head stays and an extension tank. Steering was by worm and wheel. Final drive was by spiral bevel in a banjo case, with a level filler. The springs were half elliptic, with the rear ones under the axle and under the frame, and the front ones being offset. Hydraulic shock absorbers were fitted. Brakes were Lockheed hydraulic, with the tank and master cylinder within the channel of the offside frame member.

The six cylinder overhead camshaft engine was of 2,677cc capacity, having a bore of 75mm and a stroke of 101mm. The crankshaft ran in seven bearings, with a vibration damper at its front end. Pistons and connecting rods were made from aluminium and duralumin. A four speed gearbox was fitted.

The inlet and exhaust manifolds were in a single casting located, together with the exhaust pipe, by brass nuts. The exhaust pipe was at the forward end of the manifold, so that there would be no excessive heat in the scuttle. In the earlier models, the carburetter was fed from a large autovac tank but by 1932, an electric petrol feed was used.

Other improvements introduced in 1932 were a high frequency horn, direction indicators front and rear, reversing light, dual screen windscreen wipers and an illuminated name badge on the front of the radiator. The cars now had a freewheel (with positive lock) and remote gearbox control. The Motoring Correspondent of the Times, in the issue of 4 February 1930, made the following comments on the 21/60 hp 6 cylinder County saloon deluxe:

Second is a very good gear, and the saloon will do about 35 miles an hour in it. About 50 and 60 to 65 are the best rates in third and top. The cars runs easily and sweetly up to 45 and 50 miles an hour, and will hold such speed over long distances. For the test the day was foggy and the roads were wet. There were two persons on board, and the car had only had its testing and its journey up from Birmingham. Nevertheless 55 miles an hour was reached on the stretch; 30 and 46 were the speeds on the new Dashwood Hill, the surface of which is not as smooth as it was, and two good performances were done on the old hill. With a standing start on top, the climb was completed and just over ten miles an hour was shown on the crest. With a standing start on third, the car accelerated most of the way, reaching 32 miles an hour. I did not expect the saloon to face all of the hill in top. But for a slight roughness when thoroughly abused at low speed, the engine runs silkily and with pleasing quietness. The pick-up is rapid, clean and smooth. The cooling worked properly; so did the clutch; the change speed was straightforward. The lower gears were not noisy, but not so quiet as on the 16/45hp model. The wheels were new. The hand brake lever is not awkward to reach, and it produced good force, though the action of the brake was inclined to be fierce with hard application. The pedal brakes were most efficient; the suspension, though not perfect, was good, and the car held the road well. I have only praise for the steering. The seating is comfortable, and there is ample head clearance.

Specifications of the Wolseley 21/60 (six cylinder)