Wolseley Italiana
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive, aerospace, motorcycle, bicycle manufacturing |
| Founded | 1907 in Legnano, Italy |
| Founder | Franco Tosi |
| Defunct | 1927 |
| Fate | Renamed to Legnano |
| Headquarters | Legnano , Italy |
Area served | Italy |
| Products | Automobiles, aircraft, motorcycles, bicycles |
Wolseley Italiana—formally known as Società Anonima Wolseley Italiana – Officine Legnanesi Automobili Wolsit and commonly referred to by its trade name Wolsit (an abbreviation derived from Wolseley Italiana)—was an Italian enterprise engaged in the manufacture of automobiles, aircraft,[1] motorcycles, and bicycles. The company operated in Legnano from 1907 until 1927.
History
Established in 1907 in Legnano, the firm originated when Franco Tosi secured the rights to manufacture and distribute automobiles[2] and bicycles[3] under license from the British firm Wolseley Motors. This partnership gave rise to the brand name "Wolsit."
The creation of Wolsit involved several stakeholders, including the Banca di Legnano, which contributed an investment of 2 million lire, as well as Aermacchi based in Varese.[4]
Manufacturing operations were situated on via XX Settembre in Legnano, adjacent to the Domodossola-Milan railway,[5] within a facility owned by Franco Tosi.[3]
During its inaugural year, Wolsit automobiles took part in various racing events. However, due to an economic downturn impacting the automotive sector, production of cars was discontinued by 1909, only two years after the company's inception.[4]
Despite ceasing automobile manufacturing, bicycle production persisted under the Wolseley license.[1] Wolsit bicycles became renowned for their innovative design and manufacturing quality.[6]
Following the termination of car assembly, the company ventured into aircraft manufacturing; nevertheless, this endeavor was brief and did not achieve commercial success.[2]
In 1927, the firm underwent a rebranding, adopting the name Legnano.[6][7] The "Wolsit" brand continued to be used for several decades thereafter.[8] Additionally, from 1910 through 1932, motorcycles were produced under the Wolsit marque.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Car Models
The entry-level vehicle offered was the 10/12 HP, featuring a two-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1,775 cm3. Other options included the 16/24 HP, which housed a four-cylinder engine displacing 3,550 cm3, and the 30/40 HP, equipped with a four-cylinder engine of 5,555 cm3. At the top of the range was the 45/60 HP model, powered by a six-cylinder engine with an 8,190 cm3 capacity. Additionally, the lineup featured the 14/20 HP, which came with a four-cylinder engine measuring 2,587 cm3.
See also
References
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Bibliography
- Linz, Harald. Die Internationale Automobil-Enzyklopädie. Munich: United Soft Media, 2008. ISBN 978-3-8032-9876-8.
- Enzyklopädie des Automobils. Marken · Modelle · Technik. Augusta: Weltbild, 1997. ISBN 978-3-89350-534-0.
- D'Ilario, Giorgio; Cavalleri, Pierino; Josti, Gianfranco; Negri, Rino; Serantoni, Ildo; Tajè, Marco. Ciclismo a Legnano. Legnano: Famiglia Legnanese, 1993.
External links
- Companies established in 1907
- Defunct motor vehicle manufacturers of Italy
- Defunct motorcycle manufacturers of Italy
- Defunct aircraft manufacturers of Italy
- Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1907
- Italian companies established in 1907
- Vehicle manufacturing companies disestablished in 1927
- 1927 disestablishments in Italy