Vauxhall Wyvern

Wyvern LIX (1948–51)

The L series Vauxhall Wyvern along with the Velox were Vauxhall's first post-war new models; incorporating American influence, it started production in September 1948 and finished in July 1951. Many of these went for export to help the British economy. The Wyvern was fitted with a 1442 cc four-cylinder engine with 35 bhp with a top speed of 62 mph. The optional extras available were a radio/heater/foglight. These vehicles are forgotten classics with very few surviving.

Wyvern EIX (1951–57)

In August 1951 a completely new Wyvern was launched, featuring a modern Ponton, three-box shape in a monocoque body. In spite of the abandonment of the old RAC horsepower tax system which favoured long stroke engines, the old long stroke four cylinder 35 bhp (26 kW) engine from the L-series was retained and permitted a claimed top speed above 62 mph (100 km/h) despite the car's increased size. As before, a more powerful Vauxhall Velox was available with the new body.

5313 were made.

After only six months production of the rebodied Wyvern the car received, in April 1952, Vauxhall's new short stroke 1508 cc four-cylinder engine. Along with its six -cylinder Velox version, the new engine had a bore of 79.3mm and a stroke of 76.2mm, identical measurements (and therefore capacity) as the rival Ford Consul/Zephyr engines introduced two years previously. With a power output of 45 bhp at 4,000rpm, maximum speed rose to 72 mph (116 km/h). More performance was available from the six-cylinder Vauxhall Velox and (from 1954) Cresta versions.

The EIX series Wyvern received a new bonnet and grille in 1955, a wrap-round rear window in 1956 and another new grille in 1957.

The Wyvern sold well on the UK market until Vauxhall abandoned the six seater four cylinder market and replaced it with the smaller but more radically styled Vauxhall Victor F-Series in 1957.

A car with the 45 bhp (34 kW) engine tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1952 had a top speed of 71.6 mph (115.2 km/h) and could accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 37.2 seconds. A fuel consumption of 30.4 miles per imperial gallon (9.3 L/100 km; 25.3 mpg_‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £771 including taxes.

105,275 were made.

Australian production

General Motors-Holden's produced a Vauxhall Wyvern model in Australia from 1938 to 1957.

H Series

GMH introduced a locally built Vauxhall Wyvern model to the Australian market in 1938, ten years prior to the use of the Wyvern name in England. Based on the British Vauxhall H Series, it was produced in Sedan, Roadster, Tourer and "Caleche" body styles, the latter being a two-door roadster with a folding windscreen. The Wyvern had a 94-inch wheelbase and used a 10 hp engine. Production ceased in 1941 but was resumed in 1946, using pre-war tooling.

L Series

The L Series Wyvern was produced from 1948 to 1951. It was offered with an Australian developed Sedan body, an Australian "Caleche" Tourer body or with the English Sedan body. The Australian Sedan differed from its English counterpart in having a more rounded boot and an additional side window behind the rear doors.

E Series

The E Series Wyvern was produced from 1952 to 1957. In addition to building a 4-door sedan, GMH developed a 2-door convertible and a Coupe Utility. The convertible was initially marketed as the Caleche and later as the Vagabond. 1954 was the last year for the Coupe Utility, and the Vagabond was not included in the facelifted E Series range released in April 1955.