Rare Hornet Reborn

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For a marque that is often remembered for its staid family cars, Wolseley’s Hornet Special was a break from convention. While most other marques of a similar standing were still playing with spluttering side valves, Wolseley had perfected a smooth, torquey and responsive overhead-valve straight-six. The same engine would soon wind up underneath the bonnet of the bigger MGs, for which it would win widespread acclaim, while it was left to a dedicated band of enthusiasts to champion the Hornet.

Hornets are always particularly interesting because they were only sold as bare chassis, so the finished articles stemmed from the imaginations of a plethora of coachbuilders. One of the most innovative was the Trinity body by Meredith Coachcraft, so-called because of its three positions: open two-seater, open four-seater and closed four-seater. Though the body, with all its folding mechanisms, must have been relatively heavy, it didn’t noticeably detract from the Hornets swift performance and in provided an ingenious way for families to enjoy sports motoring.

The other downside of complex coachwork is the cost and difficulty of restoration, which offers some explanation as to why Trinitys are so rare today, with only five or six known survivors. After 50 years sitting in a garage, this one was rescued by a dedicated Hornet enthusiast. You can read the full story of its 10-year restoration in the August issue of The Automobile, available now.

Words and photographs by Zack Stiling.

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