Winning bid
£1,554

1949 Vauxhall Wyvern

Highlights

  • Freshly re-upholstered interior
  • “Runs well and is a joy to drive”
  • Lovely car close to being in tip-top condition

The Appeal

One of the first new Vauxhall models post-war, the Wyvern is a unique model in the British marque’s history featuring styling with clear American influence. The accentuated haunches, large front grille and heavily sculpted bonnet and front arches all throwback to similar models from across the pond.
As a result of this departure from the British norm and the fact that many examples were exported in a bid to save the British economy, very few Wyverns still roam UK roads today. In great mechanical health and with a freshly re-upholstered interior, this example is sure to turn heads anywhere it goes.
An imperfect paint job is all that stands between this car and it being in tip top condition. Whilst the exterior could do with some TLC to look presentable, the cracking paint will not prevent it from running as the car is ready to hit the roads right away.
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History and Paperwork

  • Manufactured in 1949
  • 4 reported owners from new
  • Current owner inherited the car in 2020
  • The current owner got the car in a stripped down shape
  • Much of the work done since completed by the owner themselves
  • Thorough interior renovation
  • Vauxhall Wyvern Shap Manual with the car
  • V5c included
  • The Interior
  • Recently re-upholstered interior
  • Some beautiful patina to be found in places inside
  • New brown door cards to match the rest of the interior
  • Brown seats feature new upholstery
  • Re-upholstered carpets
  • New headlining fitted during recent interior renovation
  • Original radio has been reconditioned
  • Steering column covered in nice amount of patina
  • Minimalist controls throughout the dashboard feature appropriate patina and signs of age
  • Several spare parts found in a full boot space

The Exterior

  • Handsome shape recognisable to the early age of consumer motoring 
  • Finished in lovely shade of red
  • Wonderfully sculpted front end
  • Large grille looks good with some patina
  • Chrome wheel hubcaps all looks to be in good condition
  • New tyres
  • Red paint features many imperfections, could do with some TLC
  • Paint cracking to the right rear wheel arch
  • Paint fading on the nearside doors
  • Chrome fixtures and details all showing patina
  • Underside looks very clean for the car’s age
  • Some small spots of surface corrosion but certainly nothing to worry about

The Mechanics

  • 1.4-litre straight-four engine, 35hp
  • Engine bay showing some patina but it is clearly in healthy condition overall
  • The car reportedly runs well
  • It is a joy to drive according to the current owner
  • Recently underwent a full service
  • New brake pipes
  • Wiring loom completely replaced

Summary

The Vauxhall Wyvern is a rare car on British roads as it is. But examples with an interior condition as good as this one come round even less often. Whilst the exterior paintwork could do with some TLC, it in no way impacts the car’s mechanical health. It is said to drive well and is a joy to drive. With a respray, this car is sure to turn heads anywhere it goes.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Winning bid
£1,554
No reserve
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Auction Details

  • Year1949
  • MakeVauxhall
  • ModelWyvern
  • ColourRed
  • Odometer1 Miles
  • Engine size1442cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownPoole
  • CountyDorset
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

16 Bids

AndreAn••••
Bid
£1,554
22/08/23
Mrtoad••••
Bid
£1,500
22/08/23
Mrtoad••••
Bid
£1,400
22/08/23
thomas-••••
Bid
£1,300
22/08/23
g**g**••••
Bid
£1,200
22/08/23
gerald4••••
Bid
£1,100
21/08/23
gary-ha••••
Bid
£1,000
21/08/23
gary-ha••••
Bid
£900
20/08/23
gerald4••••
Bid
£800
20/08/23
gerald4••••
Bid
£700
19/08/23

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