Wolseley 16/60 (1961 - 1971)

When BMC upgraded and considerably improved the B-Series Farina-styled cars in the autumn of 1961, the Wolseley derivative received all those benefits. As already described in the Austin, Morris, MG and Riley sections, this involved lengthening the wheelbase, widening the wheel tracks and stiffening up the suspension to turn a rather narrow-tracked and 'topply' car into a much more stable machine. There was also the increase in engine capacity from 1,489cc to 1,622cc, and the arrival of the Borg-Warner automatic transmission option.

There were minor exterior sheet metal changes for the Wolseley version, which inherited the reduced-height rear tail-fins and the new tail-lamps to go with them; the rear overriders were moved outboard to line up neatly with the rear lamp clusters. In addition there were new waistline brightwork mouldings, which extended forward to the headlamp rims.

Like the Morris Oxford Series VI, which it resembled very closely, once the 16/60 was launched, it continued to sell and was virtually ignored by the planners for the rest of its long life. Like the Morris, it was dropped in the spring of 1971.

Wolseley 16/60 specification

As for Wolseley 15/60 except for:

Produced: Cowley, 1961-71. 63,082 cars built.

Engine and transmission: 1,622cc, 76.2 x 88.9mm. 61bhp at 4,500rpm; 90lb ft at 2,100rpm. 4-speed gearbox, no synchromesh on 1st gear; centre-floor gear-change; optional automatic transmission.

Dimensions: Wheelbase 8ft 4.35in; front track 4ft 2.6in; rear track 4ft 3.4in; length 14ft 6.5in.

Distinguishing features from previous model: Different front and rear bumpers, changed profile to rear fins and new waistline mouldings.

Typical performance: Maximum speed 81mph; 0-60mph 21.4sec; standing 1/4-mile 21.8sec; overall fuel consumption 26mpg.

Launch Price: £993

Derivatives: Close mechanical and family resemblance to all other contemporary B-Series Farina models.

Fate: Discontinued in 1971 in favour of the already established and entirely different front-wheel-drive Wolseley 18/85 model.

Source: "The Cars of BMC" - Graham Robson (Motor Racing Publications, 1987)