Highlights
- Australian-built convertible on Vauxhall 12 running gear
- Believed one of just 15 global survivors and one of three in UK
- Older restoration with £70,000 spent
- Recent work to brakes, joints, gearboxand tuning
- One of only three Caleches in the UK
- Said to be matching numbers
The Appeal
If this rather appealing 1940 Vauxhall is something new to you, that’s perhaps not a surprise. It is one of the rarest cars to come to market this year because just 15 survive worldwide, of which there are only three in the UK. The Wyvern Caleche was an Australian home market car, built locally on Vauxhall 12 running gear with a distinctive four-seat tourer body featuring cutaway doors.
This rather lovely 1940 example spent its life in Australia before, we’re told, returning to the UK in 2011. Before it did, it was subject to a remarkable £70,000 restoration that results in the attractive burgundy and black car you see in the photos. It has been very sparingly used since, picking up a few signs of age, but remains highly presentable.
The Caleche is a really stylish little four-seat convertible. For vintage enthusiasts looking for something different and a guaranteed talking point at shows, this extremely rare, well-kept car will be tempting.
Key Information
- Mileage: Showing 32,000 miles which is not verified
- Country of registration: UK (imported from Australia in 2011)
- Technical inspection status: last MOT expired 2015 with few miles since
- Technical specs: 1,442cc four-cylinder OHV 12hp engine, 35bhp, three-speed manual with full synchromesh, electric starter
- Paperwork: History file, photos, newspaper articles, and documentation from Society of British Automotive Historians confirming build date
The Detail
- Well-presented burgundy and black four-seat tourer body in good condition
- Some light marks and chips to note to panel edges as shown in photos
- Restored black folding roof with red piping in good working order
- Black wheels with vintage-style tyres fitted
- Underside as shown in photos
- Mechanically overhauled as part of the restoration
- Over £70,000 spent on comprehensive restoration by the Australian owner
- Most components restored, replaced or refurbished during the restoration
- Kept indoors and used sparingly since restoration completion
- Matching engine number
- Age-correct registration number
- Fully retrimmed four-seat interior in chocolate brown leather
- Original three-dial dash and unrestored steering wheel
- Full set of side screens included
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