J12 M40
British Motor Museum
The two-ton truck was the first commercial vehicle to bear the name Bedford, a company that had been set up by Vauxhall to manufacture such vehicles. In a market dominated by heavier trucks, but with its lower pricing than its competitors, it became an instant success.
The Chevrolet “Stovebolt” six-cylinder overhead-valve (OVH) engine was also a major factor for its popularity - well ahead of its time, its smooth performance formed the basis of Bedford and Vauxhall commercial petrol engines almost until the marque ceased building trucks and buses.
The truck was offered in two wheelbase versions; the WHG with a 131” for £198 or the WLG with a longer span of 157” for £210. There was also the option of drop sides on both wheelbase lengths. Soon after launch, coachbuilders Baico and Spurling were offering chassis extensions and Spenborough tipping gear.
The chassis of the WHG and WLG was modified towards the end of the year to create fourteen and twenty-seater bus and coach bodies, the WHB and WLB respectively.British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, Registered Charity in England & Wales: 286575
Banbury Road
Gaydon
Warwickshire
CV35 0BJ
If using a Sat Nav for directions we recommend you enter the British Motor Museum as a point of interest rather than using the postcode.