One of the first post-war cars that was produced by Vauxhall, the L-type Wyvern was first introduced in November 1948. Designed for export to bolster the British economy, the model was American influenced, with a style inspired by the Chevrolet Fleetline.

Initially only available in four colours, the L-type model did not change much from its pre-war counterpart, as with material shortages and fuel rationing in place, there was not much to compete with it.

There were 55,000 Vauxhall Wyverns produced between 1948 and 1951 with very little changes being made. After their first three-year production run, the L-type was redesigned to be the new E-type Wyvern, with changes made to comply with new regulations on lights for export markets.