March 1975 saw the replacement of the range of 1800 and 2200 British Leyland vehicles.  The new cars were available as Austin, Morris and Wolseley versions.  All were built at Cowley.

In the sales brochure, BL said that "this is the new Wolseley, the showpiece of the 18/22 series. We believe that the Wolseley Saloon totally alters the entire concept of modern big car luxury motoring".

The cars had a low front and high back, earning them the nickname of “Wedge”.  Billed in the company's promotional material as "the car that's got it all together", the Wolseley featured an advanced aerodynamic wedge shaped body style that reduced drag and improved mpg, independent Hydragas suspension (a development of the Hydrolastic system), front wheel drive, wide track and wide radial ply tyres for better road holding, an economical OHC 6 cylinder engine, dual circuit power assisted brakes with front discs, power assisted steering. It had a reclining driver's seat that adjusted up and down as well as back and forward, three speed ventilation system with recirculatory control on low speed, side window demist and foot level vents, heated rear window, push button radio, tinted glass, centre console, velour interior, wooden dash trim, carpeted boot with light, rear passenger compartment lamps, rear cigarette lighter, seatbelt warning lamp and a vinyl roof. The rigid steel body shell was soundproofed, with rust protection including wax injection of sill members, electrophoretic paint, underbody protection and front wheel arch liners.

The features differentiating the Wolseley from the Austin and Morris were twin round headlamps, a raised grille and, of course, the illuminated badge.

Optional extras offered were Borg Warner type 35 automatic transmission, Denovo wheels and tyres, head restraints, laminated windscreen and a metallic paint finish.

Performance data obtained by Leyland test engineers gave figures for 0-30mph in 4 seconds, 0-40mph in 6.5 seconds, 0-50 in 9 seconds and 0-60 in 13 seconds.

In October 1975, British Leyland was in deep financial difficulties which led to it being nationalised.  At this time it was decided that the name of Wolseley was to be discontinued.  About 2,500 of the Wolseley “Wedges” were made before production of Wolseleys ceased.