General Motors bought out Holden in 1931, and introduced the Vauxhall Wyvern in 1938 based on the British Vauxhall H-series but with a chassis for the rough roads. From 1948 to 1951 Holden produced its own version of the Vauxhall L-series, again with chassis, and with altered sedan or convertible Caleche convertible. The next Wyvern was based on the Vauxhall E-series, built as a monocoque sedan and as a convertible or coupe utility both with chassis. The first Holden badged car was introduced in 1949, actually a design already rejected by Chevrolet. However, assembly of British Vauxhalls continued alongside Holdens until 1965 when Australian regulations encouraged local content. After that, Opel and Vauxhall designs were often adapted to become Holdens.
aa Vauxhall Velox 1950 Caleche L convertible badge
Vauxhall Velox 1950 Caleche L convertible - badge on boot
vauxfest 18028Vauxhall Velox 1950 Caleche L convertible rear
Vauxhall Velox 1950 Caleche L convertible. Vauxhall sent its L-series car to Australia as a chassis, unlike the monocoque cars produced for the northern hemisphere. That enabled Holden to create a convertible 'Caleche' car
Vauxhall L-type Wyvern 1950 front
Vauxhall L-type Wyvern 1950.. Based on a modernised pre-war Vauxhall H-type, the L-type retained the centre section of the H-type and gained new front and rear. The body was monocoque except for the Australian market.
Vauxhall Velox 1950 Caleche L convertible front
Vauxhall Velox 1950 Caleche L convertible. Vauxhall's L-type car with 6-cylinder 2,275cc engine exported to Australia as a chassis.
Vauxhall Velox 1950 Caleche L convertible inside
Vauxhall Velox 1950 Caleche L convertible - interior