Page last updated 17th February 2012

Almost immediately after its launch in April 1930 the first Wolseley Hornet Specials began to surface. Who could blame the coachbuilders for wanting to fit lightweight bodies to a comparatively small rolling chassis that was equipped with an advanced 1271 cc, SIX cylinder OHC engine. At launch it was the smallest capacity six cylinder car on the British market and while the factory models sold very well, the motoring public wanted to see a Hornet sports car. The coachbuilders were quick to fill this void although Wolseley also introduced a model initially called the Hornet Sports at launch in November 1930 and then the Hornet Semi-Sports (Feb 31) before once again reverting to the 'Sports' tag. By February 1931 at least ten coachbuilding companies were simutaneously producing Hornet Specials in Sports, Coupe and Saloon body versions and by the end of that year many more had joined the party!
Throughout 1931 ever increasing numbers of Hornets could be seen in clubman competitions primarily in circuit racing events, (notably at Brooklands) as well as in the famous long distance trials of the period, in which they performed with some distinction.