Wolseley 6/99

1959-1961
Overview
Manufacturer	BMC
Also called	Wolseley 300 (Denmark)
Production	1959-1961 13,108.
Assembly	Cowley, Oxfordshire, England
Powertrain
Engine	2.9 L C-Series I6
Transmission	3 speed manual automatic option
Dimensions
Wheelbase	108 in (2,700 mm)
Length	188 in (4,800 mm)
Width	68 in (1,700 mm)
Height	60 in (1,500 mm)

The Wolseley 6/99 was the final large Wolseley car. Styled by Pinin Farina with additions by BMC staff sylists, the basic vehicle was also sold under two of BMC's other marques as the Austin A99 Westminster and Vanden Plas Princess 3-Litre. Production began in 1959 and the cars were updated and renamed for 1961.

The first generation of the large Farinas was introduced with the Austin A99 Westminster, with the Wolseley 6/99 following shortly after in 1959 to replace the 6/90. It used the same 2.9 L (2912 cc) C-Series straight-6, 102 bhp (76 kW), twin SU carburettor engine from the Austin-Healey 3000.

The suspension was the conventional BMC arrangement of coil springs and wishbones at the front with a live axle and semi elliptic leaf springs at the rear. An anti-roll bar was fitted at the front. Lockheed 10.75 in (273 mm) discs brakes were fitted at the front with 10 in (250 mm) drums at the rear and vacuum servo assistance.

The interior was finished in luxurious style to distance the Wolseley from its Austin stable mate. The dashboard was polished wood as were the door cappings. Leather upholstery was used on the two front seats and rear bench seat which had a fold down central arm rest. A choice of single or duo tone colour schemes was offered.

The Motor magazine tested a 6/99 with overdrive in 1959 and recorded a top speed of 97.6 mph (157.1 km/h) and acceleration from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 14.4 seconds. A "touring" fuel consumption of 23.6 mpg_-imp (12.0 L/100 km; 19.7 mpg_-US) was recorded. On the home market, as tested with overdrive, it cost £1254 including taxes of £369.