Jim Jarron's Motoring Pages

In 1956, the Wolseley 4/44 was  replaced by the 15/50.  There were few external differences other than different chrome strips and an extra front fog lamp (the 4/44 only had a single lamp).  The main difference was under the bonnet, where a 50bhp single carburettor version of the BMC B-series engine replaced the XP unit.

The gear change was now located on the floor and had a short centrally mounted lever.Publicity material of the day stated that "'the primary requirements of comfortable motoring, correct weight distribution, inter-axle seating and excellent steering geometry combine in the Wolseley Fifteen-Fifty with the more readily observed features of a superbly appointed interior to produce an exceptionally comfortable ride".

An option that was available on the 15/50 (and other BMC cars) was the Manumatic automatic clutch.  This device incorporated a centrifugally activated clutch and resulted in gear changes were relatively fool-proof but were slow.  A Manumatic car could be not be towed, push-started or left parked in gear.  The Manumatic option was not popular and was dropped in October 1958.

Production of the 15/50 ended in December 1958, with the arrival of the Farina styled 15/60.