Lot 221 - 1949 Vauxhall Wyvern L
| Lot Number | 221 |
| Registration | HFO 228 |
| Chassis Number | L1X19816 |
| Engine Number | LX20829 |
| Result | Sold - £21,000 |
- Described as one of the finest restorations
- Restored by craftsmen with no expense spared
- Hand crafted aluminium wings
We are delighted to offer this 1949 Vauxhall Wyvern L that has undergone the most extraordinary restoration to the highest standards. This Wyvern has been in its current ownership for approximately 22 years and around four years ago, a decision was made to restore the car to the standard that is presented today; a process that took nearly three years to complete. You may ask why would anyone lavish the tens of thousands pounds spent upon this modest British model? The Vauxhall Wyvern and Velox models were Vauxhall’s first post-war models with production of the Wyvern running from 1948 until 1951. The Wyvern was powered by a four-cylinder, 1442cc engine, which produced 35 bhp and was mated to a manual three-speed gearbox. When asked, our vendor replied, 'it’s just one of those things. I always loved these motor cars when they were new and especially as they incorporated some American influences.' This becomes more evident when you know that the American Ford Falcon, offered in our September 2018 sale, another car restored to an extraordinary standard, was from the same stable.
The restoration process included a complete strip of all parts and the remaining shell was sympathetically sandblasted. Any areas requiring repair were removed and either replaced or fabricated. The original steel wings were found to be too far gone to repair, so four handcrafted aluminium wings were produced from the original pattern steel items. The undersides have undergone the same treatment and have been coated with zinc lead oxide and a protective coating. All the chromework has been re-plated and any stainless steel items polished to a high quality. Mechanically, everything is either new or overhauled, the engine was fully rebuilt whilst the gearbox and rear axle were stripped and overhauled as necessary. The shock absorbers were all reconditioned, a complete new wiring harness was fitted and modified so that the discreet indicators, mounted within the front and rear side lights, operate as well as the side, B-pillar, semaphore indicators. The brakes, suspension, tyres, rubbers, you name it, has all been attended to. The coachwork has been finished to the Wyvern’s original grey with the icing on the cake being the most beautiful full leather interior, with new headlining, that is complemented by the somewhat lovely, art deco, dashboard and instruments. This most amazing motor car is accompanied by a history file that includes a photographic record of the restoration, a Vauxhall Velox and Wyvern Shop Manual and a UK V5C registration document. In view of the amount of craftsmanship and costs of the restoration, the auction estimate appears ridiculously low, especially when you admire the finish of this fine, and rare, British motor car.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.