The 15/50 was 1956’s evolution of the 4/44, a lighter model which had been introduced four years previously to balance Wolseley’s range. By this time the company had been amalgamated by the expanding BMC empire, and the use of unitary construction reflected this with the 4/44 sharing its hull with the MG Magnette before passing it on to its successor, the 15/50. For this model the advances came on the mechanical side, Wolseley’s own 1,250cc engine being replaced by Austin’s B-Series 1,489cc unit and so offering quicker performance and a slightly higher top speed of 78mph. Inside, the column-shift migrated to the floor.
