Herbert Austin of the Wolseley Sheep Shearing Machine Co.

designed the first Wolseley prototype in 1895 and an improved model in 1897, but it was not until 1899 that the first really successful model was produced, a 3 1/2hp four wheeler.

It was such a model that participated in the Thousand Miles Trial of 1900, confirming Wolseley to be a serious player in the infant British motor industry.

On that event Wolseley’s entry was driven by their Chief Designer Herbert C.

Austin, taking 1st Prize in Class B and winning the French Club Silver Medal.

The 6hp Wolseley of 1904 was conventional in most respects, featuring a forward mounted, horizontal, single-cylinder engine with bore and stroke of 4 1/2 in x 5 in.

Final drive was provided by central chain and its most popular guise was a two-seater configuration.

Cooling was provided by distinctive gilled tubes wrapped around the bonnet – a Wolseley feature.

One present day regular user of a 1904 6hp Wolseley sagely describes the model a...