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Bedford

WHG 2-Ton Truck, 1931

Image copyright © BMIHT
Make
Bedford
Manufacturer
Vauxhall Motors
Location Made
Luton
Accession Number
L2021:111
Collection
Vauxhall Heritage Collection
Type
Truck
Status
On loan from a private collection
Engine
6 cyl, 3177 cc, 44 bhp
Fuel
Petrol
Top Speed
not quoted
Body Style
Truck
Price When New
£198
Materials
metal, glass, textiles
Dimensions
(l), (w), (h)
Location
Not on Display

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.