"Bedford Vehicles, usually shortened to just Bedford, was produced by Vauxhall Motors which was ultimately owned by General Motors. Established in 1930 and constructing commercial vehicles, Bedford Vehicles was a leading international truck brand, with substantial export sales of light, medium and heavy trucks throughout the world. It was GM Europe's most profitable venture for several years. Perhaps the major event of the 1950's was the transfer of all non-car based commercial vehicle manufacture to the former Vauxhall shadow factory at Boscombe Road, Dunstable. Bedford's Dunstable plant, dating originally from 1942, was extensively rebuilt and extended between 1955 and 1957 when all production lines were said to be over a mile long. Subsequently, all commercial vehicle manufacture would be concentrated here with only vans and car based commercials remaining at the Luton plant. The Bedford TJ was first manufactured in 1958 and was an updated version of the TD range. The TJ was available in the United Kingdom up until 1975, after 1975 it was manufactured only for export. Production continued until 1986, after that it was manufactured by AWD into the early 1990s. Petrol and diesel engines were available; the lightest (J.O. designation) could be specified with the 2.6 litre straight six petrol engine from the Vauxhall Cresta. TJs were not large sellers within the UK, it is thought some 5,000 J.0.'s were manufactured with a mere 20 remaining in the UK.
This 1966 registered J.O. has clearly been restored and presents in good all round condition, with the white bodywork showing no real signs of corrosion. This Bedford started its life in the Orkneys as an aviation fuel tanker, hence the relatively low mileage. Clearly it has had a gentle life and we feel it will serve well as a local show vehicle and is sure to create interest wherever it appears. Finished in cream with black cross stitched seats, this Bedford starts on the button, runs and drives well.
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