The classic car at Nuffield Place

Lady Nuffield's Wolseley Eight

While living at Nuffield Place, Lord Nuffield bought a Wolseley Eight for Lady Nuffield’s birthday in 1939. Her diaries tell us she used the car often, regularly driving into Wallingford, picking up cakes on a Friday, and visiting her sisters for afternoon tea. It was a treasured family car, and Lord Nuffield continued to drive it after his wife’s death in 1959, until his frailness meant he needed a chauffeur.

Caring for the Wolseley

A small team of experienced volunteers care for the car, lovingly nicknamed BUD on account of its number plate. Unlike privately owned vehicles, BUD hasn’t been restored to its former glory – it is maintained as it was when Lord and Lady Nuffield used the car.

Every six months the conservation team inspect for damage from insects or rodents or deterioration in the leather, rubber or cork. They also look for cracks in the glass, mould on the upholserty or corrosion of any metal parts. As part of the inspection, BUD is treated to a gentle vacuum and dusting of fragile areas with a pony-hair brush.

An important collection item

Lord and Lady Nuffield used the car on a nearly daily basis and at the time it was considered a fairly cheap model of car to buy. This makes the very modest car a special part of Nuffield Place’s history, as it tells of the couple’s frugality, as well as revealing how they lived.

Car club visits at Nuffield Place

Nuffield Place is a popular place for car clubs to visit, and you might have seen some special motors parked outside the house. With the chance to park in front of Lord Nuffield's house, visiting with your car group is a memorable day out. Please email nuffieldplace@nationaltrust.org.uk for more information.