1954–1959 · Series I, II & III · the first C-series · 19 for the New Zealand Police
The 6/90 was launched at the October 1954 Motor Show, designed by Gerald Palmer, and was the first car with BMC’s 2,639cc C-series six, on twin SUs. It shares its body shell with the Riley Pathfinder but little else. The Series I has a column change, torsion-bar front suspension and a coil-sprung rear axle; overdrive became optional late in its run.
The Series II of October 1956 changed the rear to leaf springs, moved the gear lever to the floor, offered a Borg-Warner automatic and got a new wooden dash. The Series III of 1957–59 has a wrap-round rear window, 11in front drums with a Lockheed Brakemaster servo and lower-geared steering. About 500 went to British police forces — and 19 to the New Zealand Police, one of which was restored for the 1986 Police Centennial.
Wolseley 6/90 — specification & changes within the model
- Series I — 1954
- Column change, torsion-bar front, coil-sprung rear axle. 5,776 built.
- Series II — October 1956
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Leaf-spring rear, floor change, Borg-Warner automatic option, wooden dash. 1,024 built.
- Series III — 1957 to 1959
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Wrap-round rear window. 11in front drums with a Lockheed Brakemaster servo. 5,052 built.
- Engine
- 2,639cc C-series six, twin SUs.
- Riley twin
- Shares its shell with the Riley Pathfinder; mechanically different. The Series III was also sold as the Riley Two-Point-Six.
- 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 6/90. Check the car before you order a coil, a regulator or a radio.
