Jim Jarron
An Australian Story
A few years ago I found myself in the situation where my daughter was using the family car more than I was and I couldn't always rely on having access to the car when I needed it. A second car seemed like a good idea. The thought of a second hand Japanese car or something similar did not, however, appeal to me. An older car (but not too old, as I would be using it as a second car) seemed like a good idea - something a bit more unusual and with a bit more “class” than an old Holden, Ford or Volkswagen.

I’ve always been interested in cars. Before I had started school, I was able to identify the makes of most of the cars on the road. Of course I had my favourites (the three main ones being Armstrong-Siddeley, Riley and Rover, as I recall) but Wolseley didn’t figure amongst them at the time. My father never owned a Wolseley. So, why a Wolseley?
After we came to Australia in 1958, from a motoring point of view, two things happened. The first thing I remember after we arrived was catching a taxi. I stopped and stared but couldn’t tell what it was. It didn’t even look like anything else I had seen before. It was, as I was to find out later, an FJ Holden. Secondly, and more relevant to what concerns us here, was that I also had my first encounter with a Wolseley.
On board the boat, we had made a number of acquaintances, amongst them a couple called Adam and Flora Hunter, who had two children a few years older than me. Adam Hunter had been a policeman in Glasgow before coming to Australia. The Hunters had a Wolseley 4/50. I can recall being shown the car and having all its luxurious features being pointed out to me. Our Hillman Minx seemed almost spartan by comparison. I don’t think my father shared my enthusiasm for the Wolseley. His response, when we were talking about the cars later, was “What else would you expect an ex-policeman to drive”.
The Wolseley must have left an impression on me for, a few years later, when my father brought home a brand new Austin Freeway station wagon, the first thing I said was “why didn’t you get a Wolseley?”. Rather tactless, in retrospect, I admit, but in my defence I would say that I was only nine at the time. I was told that we now had a station wagon so that we could go camping and see the country, although this enthusiasm for camping did not last for more than about three or four trips. For the benefit of those who aren't familiar with it, the Austin Freeway was only made by BMC Australia. It was basically similar to the A60 but had a full width front grille, Magnette style tailfins, a Morris Oxford style of interior and, last but not least, a six cylinder version of the B Series engine (2.4 litres) mated to a three speed box with a column shift (based on the box used in the Metropolitan).

There were a few things to fix - not all the lights worked (blown bulbs and broken connections), the boot lid didn't close properly and it generally needed cleaned up inside. The woodwork needs revarnishing but it's intact. One thing that spoils the interior is that the seat cushions (the bit you sit on - not the seat backs) have been recovered in vinyl and, although it has been well matched, you can still see the difference. The leather is in very good condition for its age, but some of the stitching has given way. And another thing - the rear overriders are missing. Mind you, it looks good without them, but they really should be there….

It’s true that there are other comparable cars of the 60’s that handle better but, as far as roadholding goes, I’ve found that if the suspension is well maintained and modern tyres fitted, the car will do all you ask of it, considering the sort of driving you would do in a car of this age. One thing though – it doesn’t like going over speed humps!
JIM JARRON
Jim has his own website that covers the Austin Freeway and Wolseley 24/80 in more detail.