Lot details
Registration No: PYH883F
Chassis No: WA2531072562A
Mot Expiry: March 2010

It's a measure of the greatness of Alec Issigonis's masterpiece - the immortal Mini - just how versatile it proved. Though the largest proportion of the five million-odd made were saloons, a bewildering array of variants was available, from woody Countryman to Moke utility - and upmarket saloons in the case of the Wolseley Hornet and Riley Elf, which shared the same bodyshell, if not trim. Though mechanically like a Mini with 848cc (Mk1) and then 998cc (MkII) engines, the Hornet's elaborate nose, with traditional illuminated light, and extended tail gave the saloon an entirely different character: inside were leather seats, plus a wooden dash incorporating Cooper instruments, and out the back, between those vestigial fins, was a useful-sized boot. With additional soundproofing, it was a lot quieter on the road than its more spartan sibling.

Adding production of Mk1s and MkIIs together, 28,455 were built.
This late MkII Hornet, on the smoother-riding Hydrolastic suspension, has reportedly had only four previous owners, and the vendor states that it has covered just 40,150 miles from new. "In excellent overall condition", he says before adding that "All the chrome work is as new and the engine and running gear are exceptional, having been recently restored after many years of storage. It has been fully serviced with refurbished brakes, new exhaust, new battery, five new tyres and a new MOT. A potential winner in classic concours events".