Every week, we’re tracking the values of the most popular classic cars on the UK market. Thanks to our friends at Classic Car Weekly, we can focus on one car and compare its values from 2005 to today – and then anticipate where they will be in 2025. This week, we take a detailed look at the classic Mini with a little bit more – the booted Wolseley Hornet. Classic Car Weekly’s editor David Simister tells the market story of this classic’s future growth.
Wolseley Hornet – The current situation
There was a time in the not-too-distant past when the Mini’s booted cousins were snubbed by the wider market because of its polarising top ‘n’ tail visual treatment – but these days the prices these petite saloons fetch at auction are increasingly closing in on what non-Cooper MkI Minis from the same era fetch.
There’s been a gentle increase in values in the past decade or so – but it’s worth remembering that these values are based on recent auction results, rather than what some of the best examples are being advertised for on dealer websites. Private and trade price rises have certainly outpaced their auction counterparts, suggesting that this one is popular with more traditional buyers.
Wolseley Hornet values – the onward march
We’re tracking Condition 2 examples here, and as you can see, these lovely period ‘posh’ Minis aren’t exactly setting the world on fire, going on these numbers. However, examples found at classic car auctions,are known to go for big money if the condition is exceptional. Like all Minis, what looks good on the outside maybe truly horrific underneath, so that might play against the Hornet in the increasingly popular online auction scene.
Wolseley Hornet price tracker
Rarity plays a big part here as the rotten ones have disappeared and the few survivors have been restored – it helps that there’s a thriving club scene and flow of Mini spare parts, aiding buyer confidence. The other factor driving values up is that they’re no longer seen as poorer relations in the Mini family – something we’re also seeing with the later Clubman models.
Below are the typical prices for a Condition 2 example between 2005-2025.
2005 £2600
2010 £3000
2015 £4500
2020 £5000
2025 £6500 (anticipated)
ABOUT CLASSIC CAR WEEKLY
Classic Car Weekly is the UK’s biggest-selling weekly classic car publication. It’s at the heart of the classic car scene, packed with cars for sale, news, reviews, nostalgia and advice.