1913 Wolseley M6 24/30 Torpedo Phaeton

This 1913 Wolseley M6 24/30, number 20331, is a remarkable pre-war survivor that was built in Birmingham, before being exported to Canada where it lived for a considerable part of its life. It was one of the British firm's upmarket models that would have been sold to the rich and famous. With its powerful 4,961cc six-cylinder engine, the 24/30HP side valve motor was cutting edge technology for its time. And with its open sided Tourer body, it would have been a very stately way to travel.

It was discovered in barn in Canada in a rough state of repair in the 1960s by Charles G. Neville, who wrote the book “Wolseleys in Canada 1900-1920”. By 2008 the Wolseley had made its way to the UK where it received a mechanical restoration, before passing to the current owner and seller who finished off the restoration. The end result of which is very impressive indeed.

Today the Wolseley M6 24/30 presents very well after receiving a total body restoration by the current owner, which was carried out over many years. The elegant coachwork is painted in Midnight Blue. The seller states that a Wolseley booklet from the period mentioned that one of the colour options available was Blue on Blue, so the current colour scheme is in keeping with what the car may have looked like back in 1913.

During the current owner's custodianship, the car's coachwork was dismantled for full restoration. The wood frame was in a very bad way, with some photos below showing the condition of the car prior to restoration. The cars steel tub skin was removed and all the rotten ash frame that lay underneath the coachwork was painstakingly renewed. The steel body itself was found to be in good condition and the seller states it was refitted with a few repairs needed.

The from wings were in poor condition however and the decision was made to have them remade to the same pattern as the originals that were fitted to the car.

A new hood was also commissioned for the car with other exterior fittings on this Brass Era automobile were restored or replaced where needed.

Today the Wolseley looks resplendent in its gorgeous shade of Midnight Blue. The photos really do speak for themselves.

When the seller acquired the 109-year-old motor car the interior was best described as shot. He states that the leather seats were beyond saving as they had unfortunately been attacked by rodents whilst sat in a barn for many decades. The seats were re-trimmed in Oxford Blue, keeping the interior close to the 'Blue on Blue' colour scheme that was mentioned in the manufacturer's booklet.

The rest of the interior presents very well after its restoration with wonderful period features that are a reminder of the early days of motoring. The characterful rear Auster screen is in fine working order and the seller states it folds away nicely when not required.

The vintage steering wheel is dominated by the ignition, advance and hand throttle levers, which are a defining characteristic of pre-war cars. And glancing through the spokes of the wheel, the driver can see the speedometer gauge which has a nice patina to the instrument face. The rest of the car's controls, switches and dials are located at the base of the firewall and all present with the sort of age and wear that makes these Brass era cars so charming.

It is important to note that this Wolseley has its accelerator pedal in between the clutch and brake pedal, which was quite a common arrangement in those early days of the motorcar.

The beating heart of this fine motorcar is its substantial 4,961cc six-cylinder engine. This side valve engine was rated at 30HP, which was the tax rating for vehicles of the time.

The seller thats that when they acquired the car it had already received a lot of mechanical attention and the engine was more or less complete, with the exception of a needing a few parts.

They say that the engine was rebuilt by the previous owner, with new aluminium pistons replacing the originals. New white metal bearings were also fitted by a previous owner. The seller notes that when they acquired the car some of the piston rings were broken. These were subsequently replaced with new rings.

A new pulley was remade for the fan belt and a new shaft that drives the oil pump and the Magneto was machined specially for the car. The seller adds that the Magneto was checked over and found to be in good condition, as was the clutch assembly and the gears in the gearbox.

The Wolseley come with a transmission brake which is foot operated and a hand operated brake lever, which operates on the rear wheels. The seller says that for the cars age and size, the brakes perform very well.

The seller adds that the large and characterful radiator was also restored during the restoration.

Since the works were completed, the car has covered approximately 500 miles and could now benefit from some tuning to the carburettor.

As mentioned earlier this Wolseley was discovered by marque enthusiast Charles G. Neville in the 1960s. The cars fascinating story is documented in his book and is covered in Chapter 15, which documents the discovery of car number 20331 and its history over a 30 year period. It will no doubt provide fascinating reading for the new owner.

In 2008 the car is believed to have been acquired by Richard Eastmead, who was formerly President of the Veteran Car Club of GB. He is said to have carried out much of the cars mechanical restoration, before it was acquired by the current owner who completed its restoration.

It is clear that a great deal of love and attention has been lavished on this wonderful veteran motorcar. Indeed the seller commented that it was a task where the amount of time spent was not taken into consideration… it was done purely out of love for these wonderful old motors. This 1913 Wolseley M6 24/30 is an exceptionally rare slice of motoring history and is ready to be enjoyed by its next custodian. It would be an ideal entrant for a whole host of Edwardian events. It may well be “too young” to officially enter the London to Brighton Run, but it would be the perfect support vehicle for such an adventure. Now there’s a thought!

We estimate this car to fetch between £45,000 - £55,000 in auction.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Kent, United Kingdom. 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’.