1933 Wolseley Hornet Special Swallow Tourer

Wolseley was bought from the receivers by William Morris and produced by Wolseley Motors Ltd., from 1930 to 1936 to provide an upmarket alternative to the popular Morris range.  The original Hornet of 1930 was available as a saloon, coupe or an open sports model. The little six cylinder engine of only some 1200 cc had an overhead camshaft giving reliable yet sporting performance. They were soon to achieve an excellent reputation both on the road and in competition.  In addition to the standard models, from 1932 it was possible to purchase a Special in bare rolling chassis form, for the owner to choose from a selection of coachbuilders including Swallow, Eustace Watkins, Abbott and others. Swallow of Coventry was one such company, and the Hornets from there came with either a boat tail or a sporty four-seater body and less than 600 were produced in total.

This Hornet Special Swallow of 1933 is understood to have resided in Bradford in the 1960s and then in Halifax in the early Seventies. Its current custodian purchased it in 1972 and instructed a restoration with specialist Dave Lawson in Exeter. This included repair and replacement of the wooden frame , some repanelling and paint work. Whilst the motor car was then in usable condition, it was put into dry storage remained there for the following fifty two years.

In terms of its condition now, the Hornet Swallow requires mechanical recommissioning and the braking system needs an overhaul. Its body etc has survived well after such a long period of storage, the Wolseley is sound and solid although the interior requires a seat retrim. The windscreen glass is cracked. Certainly an important part of Swallow of Coventry’s history, a similar model is displayed at the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust at Gaydon.

Please note: the chassis number on the vehicle does not appear to match the number specified in the V5C. This could be rectified with the assistance of the owner's club and the DVLA.

The history file contains handwritten notes and correspondence (including from the DVLC), a receipt for purchase in 1972, an RF60 continuation book, a V5 document and the V5C registration certificate.

Auction Date: 1 March 2024