"Bedford Vehicles, usually shortened to just Bedford, were 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 UK 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 (J0 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 J0's were manufactured with a mere 20 or so remaining in the UK.
The vendor has owned this vehicle for the last seven years and has mainly just kept the truck on display since purchasing it, as it is in such exceptional condition. The previous owner spent five years collecting all of the parts needed to complete a total nut and bolt restoration, his sole aim was to build the best Bedford J0 available anywhere in the world and in our opinion, he achieved his objective comfortably. Originally built at a time when manufacturing standards could be a little inconsistent, this Bedford has been painstakingly dismantled, painted, chromed and trimmed in superb quality leather. The cab was a genuine J0 new old stock unit as are many other parts fitted to this magnificent truck. The mileage of 25,000 is thought to be genuine and we can confirm all numbers match. The previous owner had almost an encyclopaedic knowledge when it comes to Bedford J0 trucks and his enthusiasm was infectious when talking about it. The silver paintwork is of a superb standard, except for one blemish which was picked up whilst at a show, on the side of the load bed, and would not look out of place on a Rolls-Royce. The red leather trim and Wilton carpets, together with ample chrome work combine to make this Bedford a striking vehicle, the quality of which you are unlikely to see again on such a vehicle. During the restoration, the emphasis was to retain the original features, improving as required, this appears to have been a success. The 2,600cc engine runs exceptionally well and the truck retains its original three-speed gearbox. Potential buyers are recommended to view this truck in person to confirm for themselves the quality of workmanship.
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