Vauxhall Wyvern

The Wyvern (L-Type) is a medium sized family saloon introduced by Vauxhall in 1948 as a successor to the Vauxhall 12. The name comes from the mythical beast the Wyvern and may be due to a mis-identity of the heraldic Griffin on the Vauxhall badge.

The conventional four door saloon featured a four cylinder motor of 1442 cc delivering an advertised 33 bhp (25 kW) was capable of a maximum speed of approximately 60 mph (97 km/h). The column mounted gear change was linked to a three speed manual gear box, and incorporated synchromesh on the top two ratios. 9.125 in (232 mm) drum brakes, hydraulically operated, were fitted. The Wyvern's body was of integral (chassisless) construction, as pioneered by Vauxhall with their prewar Vauxhall 10 design. Independent torsion bar suspension was fitted at the front with a traditional semi-elliptic set-up for the rear axle. The bonnet / hood could not be opened from outside without first being released from inside the car by means of a knob operated cable release. Other features included the chromium plated 'finger-pull' at the top edge of each window permitting each window to be opened to precisely the required level. Contemporary sales material highlighted optional extras which included a heater from which warm air was evenly distributed between the front and back areas of the passenger cabin and which could be set to de-ice the windscreen in winter or to provide cool air ventilation in summer. Also available at extra charge was an AM radio integrated into the facia. The Wyvern shared its body with the six cylinder Vauxhall Velox. Prominently chromed flutes along each top side of the hood / bonnet recalled famous Vauxhalls of the pre-war era. A car tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1950 had a top speed of 62.6 mph (100.7 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-50 mph (80 km/h) in 28.3 seconds. A fuel consumption of 30.9 miles per imperial gallon (9.14 L/100 km; 25.7 mpg-US) was recorded. The test car cost £479 including taxes. In 1951 a completely new Wyvern was launched, featuring a modern 'three box' shape and integral construction of American styling. A modest increase in power to 35 bhp (26 kW) 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.