The 4/50 and 6/80 arrived in October 1948 on the bodies of the Morris Oxford MO and Morris Six. The 4/50 has a 1,476cc overhead-cam four; the 6/80 a 2,215cc overhead-cam six with twin SUs and an electric fuel pump on the bulkhead, on a wheelbase 8in longer. Both have a column gear change, Lockheed hydraulic brakes — 9in drums on the 4/50, 10in on the 6/80 — torsion-bar front suspension with trunnions that need greasing, and leaf springs at the rear. 8,925 4/50s and about 25,000 6/80s were built, most at Cowley.
The dampers changed partway through. Lever-arm dampers gave way to telescopics in September 1950 on the 4/50 and in spring 1952 on the 6/80. Later 6/80 engines have a 10-port head and lower compression, from engine number 20301. Early 6/80s are spotted by round rear lenses and ribbed door handles. The 6/80 was a British police car well into the 1960s, and much of the rest of its production went to Australia.
Wolseley 6/80 & 4/50 — specification & changes within the model
- Engines
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4/50: 1,476cc OHC four. 6/80: 2,215cc OHC six, twin SUs, electric fuel pump. 6/80 10-port head from engine 20301.
- Brakes
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Lockheed hydraulic drums: 9in on the 4/50, 10in on the 6/80; 6/80 two leading shoes at the front.
- Suspension
- Torsion-bar front with trunnions and swivel pins; leaf rear. Telescopic dampers from September 1950 (4/50) and spring 1952 (6/80).
- Steering & tyres
- 6/80: Bishop cam box, six track-rod ends. Tyres 5.50 × 15 (4/50), 6.00 × 15 (6/80).
- BMC twins
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4/50 = Morris Oxford MO body. 6/80 = Morris Six, the same car apart from the twin carburettors.
- Earth polarity
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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 4/50 or 6/80. Check the car before you order a coil, a regulator or a radio.
