Lot number | 177 |
---|---|
Hammer value | £10,500 |
Description | Bedford TJ O |
Registration | 249 XUP |
Year | 1962 |
Colour | Beige and Red |
Engine size | 2,800 cc |
Chassis No. | JOC516867681 |
Engine No. | 51J06596 |
During World War II, Bedford supplied a huge number of 'O' series 3 toners which made good use of GMs unburstable cast-iron six-cylinder ohv engine.
With a ready supply of ex-military trucks, the immediate post-war market was well supplied and so it was not until 1954 that a new series of light trucks, the TA series emerged from Luton in 2,3,4 and 5 ton formats. Taking styling cues from the General Motors US range, they sold briskly, only to be updated in 1958 with the new TJ model with its more contemporary hooded lights.
Sold with a wide variety of engines and payloads, the baby of range used the smooth six-cylinder petrol engine from the Cresta, which gave near car-like performance, a trait which was popular with fleet managers from the AA through to the National Telecoms business. Denoted the TJ 'O' series, they sold well both at home and abroad.
Made locally in India, Pakistan and Australia from 1968, the venerable TJ series lived on for many years after Bedford ceased manufacture, the British firm AWD making special order models until the early ‘90s.
This stunning TJ has been thoroughly restored and is presented in beautiful condition. Available at a fraction of the cost of its renovation, its relatively small size, perky 2.8 six-cylinder engine and lovely overall condition make it a highly practical commercial, useful for all manner of things including advertising and promotion, trips to the local tip or as an attractive truck to take to local shows and events. Fitted with servo brakes and a modern alternator, it even has a heater - still an optional extra on many family saloons back in 1962 when this TJ left the Luton factory.
Easy to drive, relatively economical and cheap to run, this is an ideal opportunity to acquire a distinctive and interesting commercial vehicle for a modest outlay.