Bedford M-Series LWB Dropside Lorry

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

The first Bedford M-Series appeared just before the war as a general purpose 2-3 tonner of conventional design.

It used the tried and tested six-cylinder 3.5-litre engine derived from the indestructible Chevrolet 'cast-iron wonder' which was mated to a four-speed gearbox in a conventional ‘normal control’ layout. Brakes were Lockheed hydraulic and it was available in two chassis lengths with either a 10’ (S) or 11’11” (L) wheelbase.

Almost before war was declared, Bedford were ready with a military version. Based on the M-Series, the ubiquitous Q and O types, with their flat bonnets and protruding lights, served in every theatre of operations across the globe. Post-war, production of the civilian long- and short-wheelbase M-Series recommenced and was offered as a chassis only, a chassis with cab or as a purpose built Dropside truck.

According to the chassis code, this 1947 model was sold as a long-wheelbase chassis and cab and was registered at the end of March that year. It was fitted with a conventional Dropside body and at one time worked for David Cover & Sons, builders' merchants on the south coast.

An older restoration, it is running and driving, although hasn’t seen much use over the last few years. The vendor describes it as very presentable with many nice details such as the coachlines painted on the rear tray.

Great fun to drive and useful for all manner of purposes, this sturdy old workhorse shows every sign of having many years of work left in it yet.