Bedford Motorhomes & Campervans

 

Overview

        The Bedford name is one that is synonymous with quality, robust commercial vehicles. First introduced in 1931, Bedford was the brand name given to Vauxhall’s commercial division, and the name of the vehicle marque was derived from the County in which these vehicles were constructed, Bedfordshire, England. In a twenty year period from its inception, Bedford went from strength to strength, attaining excellent sales and an enviable reputation for their range of commercial vehicles. During the years of WW11, Bedford vehicles were in demand by the military, and the formidable Churchill tanks were also built at the factory for use by the British Army.

      The year 1952 is the significant milestone in Bedford history, certainly in terms of British-built camper vans. The year 1952, heralded the introduction of the Bedford CA range of light vans, a vehicle which was to become such a familiar sight in Britain over the ensuing sixteen years. During that time the external design of the CA changed very little, apart from cosmetic changes to the windscreen and wheel sizes, and was seen in every guise from basic delivery van, to pickup and mobile shop to minibus. But despite the vehicle’s success as an everyday utility base, the Bedford CA will be forever associated with Martin Walter Ltd and its Dormobile Caravan conversion, a model which introduced thousands of UK residents to the joys of motorcaravanning.

 By 1969 the CA range had become somewhat dated and Vauxhall Motors released their all-new model, the CF range. Whereas the previous CA vans had only really been utilised by Martin Walter Ltd for conversion to camper vans, the new CF was far more appealing to the various conversion outfits due to its increased dimensions and up rated mechanical components. Within its first year of production more camper van models had been introduced using the CF chassis than all those released in the seventeen year production of the CA. Year by year more CF-based camper vans were unveiled, and as time progressed the CF was upgraded and modified by Vauxhall Motors, making it more and more appealing to both new and established motorcaravanners. In addition to the success that the CF was enjoying in the UK, it was also proving to be a very popular camper van base in many European countries.   

        During its eighteen year production run, the CF light commercial range underwent several design changes, and full-time production came to an end in 1987.   Between 1969 and 1987 the CF was constantly in the top five of the favoured base vehicles used for conversion to camper van and motorhome by the leisure industry. It is therefore not surprising that due to the numbers converted, and the fact that it remained in production until 1987, that so many Bedford CF-based camper vans have survived to this day.

        Although 1987 did see the demise of the once-great Bedford marque in its familiar guise as a market leader, it was not quite the end of Bedford’s involvement with the motorcaravan industry. The Vauxhall/Bedford Midi range was unveiled in the mid-80s, although it was not a great commercial success, and was certainly not held in the same regard as the previous CA and CF ranges. Despite a handful of conversion companies using the Midi as a camper van base, it failed to capture the imagination of the motorcaravan buyers and only the Auto-Sleeper Midi, Devon models and Midi-Home by Autohomes were worthy conversions of note.

        By 1986 there had been a re-organisation of the Bedford marque, and a joint venture with Isuzu lead to the formation of ‘IBC Vehicles’. In 1986 the Bedford Rascal was introduced, which in effect was a restyled Suzuki Suepercarry, and fitted with the diminutive 970cc petrol engine. Whereas the larger Midi van failed to attract the attention of the major motorcaravan converters, the Rascal on the other hand was used to great effect by the giant Autohomes concern in Dorset. This company used the Rascal pickup version as a base for a micro-coachbuilt camper, the Bedford Bambi. Through the remainder of the 80s, the little Bambi really did become a great sales success winning several prizes within the leisure industry.  British caravan builders Elddis also utilised the Rascal pickup, and entered the micro-camper sector with their own Elddis Nipper. One would not have thought that the little Bedford Rascal offered dimensions of adequate proportions in its basic panel van format, but motorcaravan converters Danbury released their tiny Danbury Renegade with its miniature rising roof and diminutive interior fitments.

        The demise of the Rascal range in the early 1990s brought to a close several decades of Bedford use within the camper van/motorhome market, much to the chagrin of the marques dedicated followers. In 1998 GM and Isuzu ended their joint building venture, and from that moment the factory operated as ‘GMM Luton’ That famous Griffin badge which adorned so many Bedford vehicles could be seen once again on the bonnet (hood) of such light commercial models as the Vauxhall Vivaro and Vauxhall Movano, though sadly only a handful of bespoke converters have used these vans for conversion to camper vans.

        Despite the loss of the Bedford name/brand, it is a marque which will live long in the memory of commercial vehicles enthusiasts around the world for many years to come. 

If you would like to learn more about all of the various motorhomes and campervans built on the various Vauxhall-Bedford bases vehicles, then grab a copy of my hardback book, Bedford Camper Vans & Motorhomes', published by The Crowood Press.