Jim Jarron's Motoring Pages

1967 brought the revival of an old Wolseley name with the introduction of the 18/85.

The 18/85 was developed from the Austin/Morris 1800, being the luxury version of the large Issigonis design. The Wolseley was the first of the 1800’s to have the option of automatic transmission – cars so equipped had the gear selector on the right hand side of the instrument panel. Power steering was standard.

A Mark II version was released in 1969. The most obvious changes were to the interior: reclining seats were now standard, the door trim was restyled and was capped by wood and there were changes to the facia and instrument panel.

A model known as the 18/85S was introduced in 1969. The 18.85S was fitted with two SU carburettors, rather than one as fitted to the 18/85, had a three branch exhaust manifold and MGB camshaft profile.

The Mark II 18/85 and the 18/85S were replaced by the Wolseley Six in 1972.