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Wolseley was a British automobile brand that became part of British Leyland.
Wolseley
- Origins: The Wolseley brand began in the early 20th century and was originally part of the Wolseley Tool and Motor Car Company, which was established in 1901. The company was known for producing high-quality, luxury vehicles.
- Early Success: Wolseley quickly gained a reputation for innovation and quality. They were one of the largest car manufacturers in Britain during the early 1900s.
- Acquisitions: Wolseley underwent several changes in ownership over the years. It was acquired by Morris Motors in 1927, which later became part of the British Motor Corporation (BMC) in 1952. BMC was then merged into British Leyland in 1968.
- Under British Leyland: During its time under British Leyland, Wolseley continued to produce cars, but the brand’s distinctiveness began to diminish as models were often based on other cars from the corporation’s lineup, sharing platforms and components with other marques like Austin and Morris.
- Decline and Discontinuation: The Wolseley brand struggled with the general decline of British Leyland in the 1970s. The last Wolseley car, the Wolseley 18-22 Series (also known as the Wolseley Six), was produced in 1975. After this, the brand was discontinued as part of British Leyland’s restructuring efforts.
- Legacy: Despite its eventual decline, Wolseley is remembered for its contributions to early automotive engineering and for the elegant, high-quality vehicles it produced during its peak years. The brand’s history is a reflection of the broader story of the British automotive industry during the 20th century.