Wolseley 4/44s were produced 1953-56 and had a 1.25-litre motor, whereas the first-series (ZA) Magnette, also made 1953-56, had a 1.5-litre engine that gave it the somewhat better performance of a car with a sporting nameplate. Production of 4/44s was 29,845 and ZA Magnettes 18,076. The nearly identical (aside from the Varitone version) ZB Magnettes saw a production run of 18,524 over 1956-58.
The main style differences were front and interior trim.
Basic design was a variation of early-1950s British, where traditional grilles were mated to conservatively modern post- World War 2 bodies. I rate Magnette and 4/44 styling as pleasant, but not exciting. No serious defects, however.
The grille is a curved version of the MG-TF sports car's.
The Wolseley had a slightly longer, straighter hood and a traditional vertical grille.
The main difference here is the chrome strip that curves up over the front wheel opening. ZB Magnettes got a horizontal chrome strip much like the one on the Wolseley below.
Palmer's larger Wolseley 8/90 series featured through fenders, whereas the 4/44 shows a distinct rear fenderline, perhaps a better solution to the slab-sidedness of many postwar cars.
Rear design composition is a set of cascading curves -- roof, trunk, rear fender.
Very simple design from this viewpoint, and no brand distinction other than labels.
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