1914 Wolseley 24/30 Torpedo

This 1913 Wolseley 24/30 Torpedo’s heritage certificate (see Photographic Gallery, below) confirms that it initially crossed the Atlantic for a life with its first owner in Canada. Importantly, it also states that this 109-year-old survivor still has its original engine and chassis.

Vendor Donald Fisher bought the Torpedo from renowned Veteran and Vintage specialist Gavin McGuire in 2014, paying £70k for it. He then embarked on further restorative work including £35k spent with Nigel Parrot for items including a full retrim in black hide and comprehensive electrical work, and a further £70k with Ian Milford on an engine rebuild and repaint in the car’s original colours.

“It’s had quite a lot of work carried out,” says Donald. “And general condition is pretty good, as you’d expect. The engine was fully rebuilt with new pistons and a new camshaft. It feels nice to drive; brakes are good for the standard of the time and gearchange, although always tricky with a crash gearbox, is also good.”

Donald has used the car extensively, competing in numerous veteran car rallies for which it’s perfect. “I’m 80 years of age now, so the time has come to part ways. I’m sorry to sell, but age is catching up with me.”

With two UK owners prior to Donald, this is an opportunity to purchase a grand old survivor from that exciting Edwardian age, and the dawn of motoring.

The Torpedo has a delicacy of line, that combines with a cheeky positive camber disposition, to provide a motor car that’s utterly charming in the flesh. The body remains in terrific post-restoration condition, with the light grey panels retaining an excellent finish. This is very nicely complemented by the brightwork’s nickel finish.

The canvas hood provides all-weather protection for all cabin inhabitants and the hood mechanism works exactly as it should. The car also comes with a rear tonneau cover, which can be fitted in place when there are no rear passengers.

Rear view mirrors are fitted to the windscreen sides, as is a horn and a side-mounted spare wheel. The black-spoked 37 x 5 Rudge Whitworth wheels are in great nick and shod in the correct Dunlop Clipper tyres.

It’s a delightful looking thing.

If the exterior is charming, then the interior is superlative. The restoration leaving it in first class condition. The black leather seats and door cards remain in beautifully supple condition and instantly transport you to the finest Edwardian gentlemen’s club in an instant. They’re aided and abetted by lovely fresh green carpets, piped black

The steering column paint has a bit of chipping present but that should be relatively easy to tidy up, while the steering wheel is dominated by the ignition, advance and hand throttle levers that are a defining characteristic of pre-war cars. The rest of the car’s controls, dials and switches are located at the base of the firewall.

You will also find a couple of cheeky nods to modernity, with a discreet cigarette lighter and two USB charging ports fitted, as well as a windscreen-mounted GPS speedometer to take the guesswork out of calculating your actual speed.

Exquisite.

In terms of specification the Torpedo is fitted with a Bosch magneto, a four-speed gearbox, Houdaille front axle shock absorbers, a self-starter, CAV G-type dynamo and a Number 16 carburettor.

The engine presents in a clean manner with the big 4,961cc six-cylinder engine showing a pleasant gentle patina. Again, it’s worth noting that it’s been fully rebuilt and accordingly, remains in excellent driving condition.

There is a touch of very minor surface corrosion on one or two of the brackets on the car’s underside, but certainly nothing of note to worry about; in fact, it’s a very positive (and clean) picture under there, too.

The car turns over strongly with the big six settling into an offbeat and breathy tick over. Donald indicates that the driving experience takes a little getting used to but that it is inherently satisfying once mastered.

The Torpedo’s V5c document is present and confirms a total of three UK owners since its first registration here, back the 21st of July 1997. Also present is the British Motor Heritage Trust Certificate, issued on the 4th of September 2015, and a draft report summarising specifications, measurements, and other important information.

Also in the file are the written, detailed starting procedures from Gavin Maguire that came with the car – key, so the next owner can get started on developing their own relationship with it straight away.

In terms of invoices, they’re all there. I could list the big-ticket items but there are so many that it’s worth electronically perusing them, to get an idea of the level of care and attention that has been lavished on the car.

If you are after a veteran car that’s in top condition and with a traceable history of the works carried out, then this is it.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of the paperwork to support our claim that this car has been restored and then looked after to an excellent standard.

This rakish drophead 24/30 Torpedo is a thing of beauty and a vehicle that’s had a lot of recent expenditure lavished on it, to ensure that it presents in tip-top condition.

Vendor Donald admits that age has caught up with him, so it must go. One thing is clear, age hasn’t caught up with the Torpedo and it is absolutely ready to go for a new owner.

Given its condition, we think it will realise somewhere between £35,000 and £40,000. When you factor in the original purchase price, as well as the subsequent financial outlay, at both ends that represents seriously good value.

This rare veteran can then be put back to work on Veteran Car Club rallies and the like, enjoying the company of like-minded people, or used as a charming steed for a Sunday drive.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.