The Hornet of October 1961 is a Mini with a longer boot, a Wolseley grille and better trim, twin to the Riley Elf. The Mk I has the 848cc engine on a single SU; the Mk II of March 1963 the 998cc engine and twin-leading-shoe front drums. Hydrolastic suspension arrived in October 1964, with a diaphragm-spring clutch and key start.
The Mk III of October 1966 brought wind-up windows and concealed door hinges, eyeball fresh-air vents and a remote gear change from the Cooper; an all-synchromesh gearbox followed in 1968. Most mechanical parts are shared with the Mini. The hard ones are the Hornet’s own: slam panel, rear valance, grille, bumpers and overriders, bonnet spears, trim strips, the rear-screen chrome surround and the rear quarter-lights.
Wolseley Hornet — specification & changes within the model
- Mk I — 1961
- 848cc, single SU. Sliding windows, external hinges.
- Mk II — March 1963
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998cc. Twin-leading-shoe front drums. Hydrolastic from October 1964.
- Mk III — October 1966
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Wind-up windows, concealed door hinges, eyeball vents, remote gear change. All-synchro box 1968.
- Brakes
- Lockheed 7in drums; twin-leading-shoe fronts from the Mk II.
- Hornet-only parts
- Slam panel, rear valance, grille, bumpers, overriders, bonnet spears, trim strips, rear-screen chrome surround, rear quarter-lights.
- 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 Hornet. Check the car before you order a coil, a regulator or a radio.
