The vogue for creating small cars of great performance pre-dates today's ‘hot hatches’ by many decades, of which the Wolseley Hornets of 1930 to 1935 are ample proof.

The trick was to insert six-cylinder OHC engines of 1271cc into unsuspecting modified Morris Minor chassis, creating a family saloon which could surpass 60mph.

The Hornet was distinguished as Britain’s lowest-priced six, and was also notable as one of the earliest adopters of Lockheed hydraulic brakes.

While it may look at first like a long-lost barn find, this delightful specimen is, in fact, ready to enjoy.

It has survived for 93 years without ever being restored, and was fortunate to be purchased recently by a sympathetic owner who recommissioned it but refrained from interfering with the superb historic paint and interior.

Impressively, its history dates back to 1939, when it belonged to Mr.

Hubert Alexander Martin of Surbiton, Surrey.

It is not clear when Mr.

Martin parted with the car, but he still owned it ...