Buy Wisely - Buy Wolseley

[Keep it stiff]

From an advertisement in June 1961 for the Wolseley 1500:

Wise indeed is the family that runs two Wolseleys. While her husband uses his 6/99 for business, she runs the children to school, nips into town and still finds plenty of time to attend to her social functions .... thanks to her compact, convenient '1500'. It is easy to park. A delight to drive. And the envy of her friends for its many luxury features. Wolseley puts 2-car motoring within easy reach. Fleet model £497 plus £208.4.2 P.T. Family model from £530 plus £221.19.2 P.T. Wolseley '1500' ... 1 1/2 litre O.H.V.engine. 4-speed gearbox. Central floor gearchange. 'Twin-top' performance in 3rd gear.

Questionable grammar.

Purchase tax at a hefty 42%

What the heck is "Twin-top" performance?

Edited by Keep it stiff on Monday 24th August 06:44

[restoman]

Isn't this just 'sales talk' or a marketing ploy for early 4 speed boxes. Most people were used to having only three speeds with 3rd as the top gear - so the 4 speed box gave you an 'extra' top gear - ie a twin top box!!

Edited by restoman on Sunday 23 August 20:58

[Slidingpillar]

When five speed manual gear boxes started to appear, there was a Vauxhall Cavalier marketed with a 3 + E box. And yes, the +E ratio was pretty well what a fifth gear would give you, but as 1, 2, and 3 were pretty normal ratios, there was a yawning chasm between 3rd and 4th. According to my brother who drove a hired one, ok on the motorway, but hideous virtually everywhere else.

[eldar]

Slidingpillar said:

When five speed manual gear boxes started to appear, there was a Vauxhall Cavalier marketed with a 3 + E box. And yes, the +E ratio was pretty well what a fifth gear would give you, but as 1, 2, and 3 were pretty normal ratios, there was a yawning chasm between 3rd and 4th. According to my brother who drove a hired one, ok on the motorway, but hideous virtually everywhere else.

I think VW did a similar thing but 4+E. Polo, ISTR

[crofty1984]

Polo Formel E. 1,2,3 + E
Smashing little car.