Wolseley 6/90
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| Wolseley 6/90 | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | BMC |
| Production: | 1954-1959 |
| Class: | FR fullsize car |
| Predecessor: | Wolseley 6/80 |
| Successor: | Wolseley 6/99 |
| Similar: | Riley Two-Point-Six |
| Body Styles: | 4-door saloon |
| Engines: | 2.6 L C-Series I6 |
The 6/90 replaced the 6/80 as Wolseley Motor Company's top-line automobile. Though the company was then well under the control of Lord Nuffield and BMC, the 6/90 seemed a true Wolseley. It was based on the work previously done for the Riley Pathfinder though it did without the Mk. I Pathfinder's sophisticated rear suspension. The 6/90 used the BMC C-Series straight-6, an engine that produced 95 hp (71 kW). It rocked Wolseley traditionalists with a grey striped formica instrument panel and central large chrome cheese-cutter speaker grille.
It is also somewhat notorious for leading to the sacking of its designer Gerald Palmer by BMC GM Leonard Lord in favour of Alec Issigonis.
Series II 6/90s, introduced for 1957, included leaf springs on the live axle in the rear, a more conventional walnut dash and a (right hand on right-hand drive cars!) floor-mounted shifter. In production for only 8 months, the Series II gave way to the Series III in 1958. These included larger power brakes and a larger rear window. This design was also rebadged as Riley's Pathfinder replacer, the ill-fated Two-Point-Six.
6/90 production ended in 1959 with the introduction of the Pinin Farina-designed 6/99.
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