Wolseley Hornet Special 12 Introduction

Although special bodies were fitted to the standard Hornet chassis available from 1930, it was only in mid 1932 that the Wolseley Hornet Special was offered in its own right.

The Wolseley Hornet Special – supplied in chassis form only – was introduced in 1932 with a modified and tuned 12hp six cylinder engine with twin SU carburettors and high compression pistons and duplex valve coil springs.  A stronger front axle and larger 12″ drum brakes were also fitted.

The chassis was fitted with bodywork of varying designs by outside specialist coachbuilders. One point which makes this special chassis readily distinguishable from the standard models is the radiator cap – this takes the form of a streamlined “H” with a superimposed “S”, although nowadays the actual chassis numbers will be required to identify this as a bona-fide Wolseley Hornet Special as opposed to a standard Hornet with a special body.

The illuminated Wolseley badge light introduced as standard across the Wolseley range in 1933 however, was only fitted to a number of 1934 models for a short period, the remainder sporting a black enamelled badge.

As with the standard Hornet, in 1934 a free-wheel version was offered. In 1935 the engine was uprated to 14hp for a short time before the range was discontinued.

Many Wolseley Hornet Special owners are members of the Wolseley Hornet Special Club.

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