By 1952, Austin and Morris had amalgamated to form BMC, with the Wolseley continuing as an up-market marque, even though it shared bodies and engines with others in the Corporation. The larger models were competitors for the likes of Humber and Rover, while the smaller ones retained a more expensive image compared with Austin and Morris products. The authorities discovered that models like 6/80s and 6/90s made great police vehicles. Many people dismiss them as badge engineered Austins and Morrises, but they were charming, complete with leather interiors, carpets and wooden dashboards adding to their appeal. The most popular was the 1500 produced between 1957 and 1965 with over 100,000 made. I owned one of these delightful cars and I really regret selling it. A mate had one in England, and the two of us drove this twelve year old from London through Central Europe to Moscow, far-northern Norway and back without a moments’ trouble.