The 24/80 was built by BMC Australia in Sydney from 1962 to 1965 — the last Wolseley built in Australia. It is the 15/60 body on a wheelbase an inch longer, with the 2,433cc “Blue Streak” six, a B-series with two extra cylinders, of 80bhp. The gearbox is a three-speed column change from the Nash Metropolitan, with synchromesh on the top two gears, or a Borg-Warner 35 automatic; the axle ratio is 3.91:1. It is the Wolseley counterpart of the Austin Freeway.
The Mk II of 1964 added a brake servo, lower 16/60-style fins and vinyl trim in place of leather. Body parts that the 24/80 shares with the British 15/60 and 16/60 are on that page too; the engine, gearbox and axle are shared with the Austin Freeway. The Wolseley Register says the 24/80 was sold only in Australia and New Zealand.
Wolseley 24/80 — specification & changes within the model
- Engine
-
2,433cc “Blue Streak” six, a six-cylinder B-series. 80bhp, about 85bhp on the Mk II.
- Gearbox & axle
-
Three-speed column change (Nash Metropolitan box), or Borg-Warner 35 automatic. Axle ratio 3.91:1.
- Body
- Wolseley 15/60 body on a 1in longer wheelbase.
- Mk II — 1964
-
Brake servo, lower fins, vinyl trim.
- Twins
- Austin Freeway (mechanicals); Wolseley 15/60 and 16/60 (body).
- Earth polarity
-
We cannot tell you for certain, and we will not guess. We could not find a source we trust that settles the earth polarity for the 24/80. Check the car before you order a coil, a regulator or a radio.
