Last updated on 30 October 2024.

During October 2024, we visited Australia for three weeks. On Saturday October 5th we travelled from Melbourne by train to Sydney, with a late evening arrival. On the following morning, having arranged to meet up with Paul O'Bryan, a Sydney based member of the Cambridge Oxford Owners Club, we travelled by train to Blacktown, which is 34 kilometres west of Sydney. He had kindly offered me the chance to see his 1965 Wolseley 24/80, which is an Australian version of the 16/60 with a six cylinder engine derived from the 1622 cc unit used in Irish and British cars. On leaving the station, we met Paul and his wife who were waiting with their car.

The 24/80 at Blacktown Station.

The itinerary for the day was a trip into the Blue Mountains, west of Blacktown. All 24/80s were supplied new with a 3 speed column gear change, but this one now has a 5 speed Nissan gearbox, with a floor mounted lever. After a short drive with Paul at the wheel, he asked me if I would like to drive it. It was an offer too good to refuse, I felt, and it had been a few years since I had last driven my own A60. So I quickly accepted and a brief stop was made to change places. Heading along the M4 I settled in and found it an excellent car to drive, well able to keep up with the heavy traffic on the freeway. Although the engine is derived from the 4 cylinder unit, it sounds very different, maybe because of the different gearbox. I had only seen one 24/80 before this, and it was parked up. To hear one in action and to be able to get to drive it was a bonus, and a very nice way of passing an hour or two. It crossed my mind that if the UK cars could have had this engine option with a 5 speed box, it would have perhaps increased their appeal. Although back then very few mid size saloons had anything more than four gears, and its quite likely that BMC didn't have such a product in their parts stock.

The M4 ended, giving way to the A32 which was quieter, and soon we arrived at the National Park in the Katoomba area. Here Paul and I swapped places again and we explored the vast beauty of the mountain ranges. Following this we had a coffee break and a tour of the Katoomba district before finding a restaurant for a late lunch. Following this, the magnificent Wolseley transported us back to Katoomba railway station, which is 102 kilometres west of Sydney. Having said our farewells to the O'Bryans, we caught a train back to Sydney, reflecting on a most interesting day. While most tourists go to the Blue Mountains by tour coach, we had our own classic and exclusive transport. Driving a 24/80 was never on my bucket list, but I am now glad to have had that chance.

The 24/80 after arrival at the Blue Mountains national park.

The 24/80 at rest while we had a coffee break.

Under the bonnet of the Australian cars, a very different sight to the more familiar A60 layout.

The end of our outing, the 24/80 parked opposite Katoomba station.

The four of us with the Wolseley. A wonderful car and good company.

SB