The 1948 Wolseley 6/80 became the classic British police car of the 1950s. When it was phased out of service, many of the cars were snapped up by members of the pubic keen to get their hands on one of the cars that the forces of law and macho appeal, it was simply the recognition of good, solid engineering. Based on the M/O Series Morris saloons, the basic monocoque body looked very like an over grown Morris Minor, which was effectively what it was, although in 6/80 from it shared the 13in. (33cm) longer wheel base of the Morris Six. At the front were the bold Wolseley grille and twin spotlights to give it a more up market image. The 6/80 shared its straight six overhead cam engine with the Morris Six, too at 72 bhp, it was a heady 6 bhp more powerful than the Morris.
Its best feature was its interior, with leather seats, a wooden dashboard and the rare luxury of a heater as standard equipment. Less impressive was the steering, a bishop cam system which was both vague and heavy, and no doubt somewhat off putting in a car that was quite powerful for its day. The 6/80 could easily manage 85 mph (136 km/h). The last 6/80s were built in 1954 but, amazingly, some remained in use with police forces until 1961.
