The only vehicle in the collection that’s not roadworthy is the Wolseley 18/85. If you want the full Jack Warner ‘Evening all’ experience this is the car for you. It’s even got a proper bell on it. Much nicer on the ear than the dreadul American-style sqawk that modern cop cars are fitted with.
The Wolseley is a runner, but John Dorsett is battling against the clock to finish putting the car together. In 1977 this car was a star at the Queen’s Silver Jubiless of the Met and Dorsett is determined that the 18/85 will be able to perform the same duty at Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee.
See pictures of the Wolseley 18/85 police car
Anyone who’s restored an old car will know how long it takes to do the putting back together bit. Dorsett is looking for help from a local car fettler or fettler or restoration company to finish off the job before June.
The Wolseley is a pre-war design and this one is from the last year of production in 1948. The 2.3-litre six-cylinder engine kicks out 85bhp which is good for a top speed of 75mph and 0-60mph in 23sec.
Probably enough performance to nab most ‘40s speeders unless they were on a Vincent bike or had just bought one of the new Jag XK120s.
Served in the force: 1948-1955
Top speed 75mph; 0-60mph 23.0sec; Kerbweight 1410kg; Engine in-line six-cylinder, 2321cc; Power 85bhp at 4000rpm; Torque 111lb ft at 2000rpm; Gearbox Four-speed manual
To see the best of the collection, follow the links below:
Rover P6 3500S"This is no ordinary Rover P6, it’s armour plated and weighs two tonnes. In between the seats there’s a chunky radio that today would fit into a fag packet, but that’s nothing compared to the massive stack of valve radios in the boot..."
Morris Minor panda car"I learnt to drive in a Minor and this is the first time I’ve driven one in 30 years. I’d forgotten how slow they are. If you were equipped with a decent motorbike or a Lotus Cortina 1n 1970 the little Morris wouldn’t see which way you went..."
Wolseley 18/85"If you want the full Jack Warner ‘Evening all’ experience this is the car for you. It’s even got a proper bell on it. Much nicer on the ear than the dreadul American-style sqawk that modern cop cars are fitted with..."
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