
Toby Wilson
Head of Department
LOT 437
1935 Wolseley Hornet 1½-Litre Tourer Coachwork by Eustace Watkins Registration no. GW 5426 Chassis no. 274 51 Car no. 105274
Offered is a genuine Eustace Watkins-bodied Wolseley Hornet four-seat open tourer with the powerful 1½-litre six-cylinder engine. 'GW 5426' was first registered in January 1932 and has belonged to a professional motor mechanic for the last 21 years, prior to which it had had only one owner, a Mr Kalupka. It is believed that the Hornet served as the first owner's daily drive until it was laid up in 1962 and all but forgotten. Rescued from its collapsed garage, the Hornet was treated to a body-off, 'last-nut-and-bolt' restoration to a very high standard by its new owner, including a full engine rebuild and much more besides. Most notably, the original Eustace Watkins body was completely dismantled and all the ash woodwork checked and replaced as necessary. The rebuilt frame was then re-skinned in aluminium before being repainted and trimmed by local craftsmen. Now unable to drive the car anymore on account of his age, its restorer has decided to let the Hornet go. Presented in outstanding condition in every respect, having had little use, the car is ready to be enjoyed by its new owner. Eligible for VSCC events, the Hornet comes with full weather equipment (hood and four side screens) and is offered with all paperwork, a V5 Registration Certificate, and its original buff logbook listing only two owners.
Vendor Score Total: 80 /100
Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.
Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well
EXTERIOR TOTAL: 20 /25
Body Work: 4
Paint: 4
Glass: 4
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 4
Wheels/Tyres: 4
RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 16 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 4
Axles: 4
Suspension: 4
Brakes: 4
INTERIOR TOTAL: 16 /20
Seats: 4
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 4
Headlining: 4
Trim: 4
ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 8 /10
Main components: 4
Ancillary components: 4
ENGINE TOTAL: 16 /20
Starting: 4
Running: 4
Under Bonnet: 4
Mechanical components: 4
Car History File: 4











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