No information is currently available about this vehicle, which would appear to have now been scrap. The exact location is not know either, but judging from the backdrop I would think up on the west coast of the Scottish highlands. Photo from the Busman's collection
With thanks to Brian Tmmins the vehicle above has been identified as chassis C4Z2 3757 with Duple body 1111/11 and was first operated by McGregor of Dornoch
The C Type Bedfords
This page was last updated on 12/07/2008
The 'C' types (C4 & C5) were somewhat a stop gap measure by Bedford to bridge the gap for a 29/30 seat PSV chassis between the demise of the OB in 1951, & the introduction of the VAS in 1961.
Launched in 1957 the C type 29/30 seat PSVchassis was based on the 4 ton (C4), & 5 ton (C5), forward control lorry chassis derived from the S type. The 5 ton version was available both as 7ft 6inch, & 8ft wide widths, whilst the C4 was available only as 7ft 6inch.
The choice of engines, all driving through a 4 speed synchromesh gearbox were C4Z1 & C5Z1 with a Bedford 3.52 litre 6 cylinder petrol engine, & the C4Z2 & C5Z2 with six cylinder 4.93 litre diesel engine. A further petrol option was available as the C4Z3 & C5Z3 with six cylinder 4,93 litre unit.
Duple were the predominant body builder with their Vista/Super Vista body name re- launched from its OB days. The C4 was popular with local authorities, but was also bought by rural coach operators such as Mulley of Ixworth who needed a 29 seat replacement for their ageing OB's. Probably the largest taker of the C4/5 was MacBraynes, the Scottish ferry operator who used the C5 for post bus work in the highlands & islands.The C4/5 in Preservation
Less than a dozen C types survive into preservation, four MacBrayne (No's 36, 54, 179, & 181) are listed with Scottish owners whilst C4, UHJ 842, new to Rochford Hospital before passing into preservation with the late Peter Squibb, is now with Lodges Coaches, & under restoration. Another C4, VCD 984 is in running order with Rundell of Falmouth as part of his 'King Harry Coaches' fleet. It was new to Alpha Brighton.
Sadly NCF 888 new to & still owned by Mulley of Ixworth, is in poor condition with little prospect of being restored.
Because of the low numbers extant, few C type PSV's come on the market. They don't command huge sums & a good one should be had for under £5000.
* denotes vehicle known to be restored/part restored & roadworthy 1998
Bedford C4's VCD 984 * C4Z2 1958 Du C29F Rundell, Falmouth Alpha, Brighton) UHJ 842 C4Z2 1959 Du C29F Lodge's, High Easter Rochford Hospital UYK 961 C4Z1 1959 Ds -??- Agnew, Goole/Hull area London County Council XAB 933 C4Z2 1959 Du C29F Perry, Bromyard Yarrington, Tenbury Wells ESL 933 C4Z2 1959 Du C28F Wedding Classics, Vijhizen, Amsterdam original owner unknown, previous reg. 24 EJO 568 BYA C4Z3 19?? Du C--F Unknown, Lydney, Glous, derlict on farm gone by 12/07 Herring, Burnham on Sea 851 GAF s C4Z3 1960 Du C--F Perry, Bromyard, spares Skinner, Millbrook RRF 769B C4Z2 1960 Du C--F Richardson, Stalham , caravan Burton on Trent Hospital as LFA 31 Bedford C5's NCF 888 C5Z2 1959 Du C29F Mulley, Ixworth derelict in yard Mulley, Ixworth OTY 208 C5Z1 1959 DM B30F Hughes, Llithfaen Tait Morpeth SVA 438 C5Z1 1958 DM B30F Emerton, Nantwich Hutchinson, Overton WGG 630 C5Z1 1959 Du C--F McDonald, Howmore, Moy MacBrayne 36 YYS 174 C5Z1 1960 Du C21FM Walker, Lenzie MacBrayne 54 603 CYS C5C1 1961 Du C29F McPherson & MacDonald, Howmore MacBrayne 179 605 CYS C5C1 1961 Du C29F McDonald, Howmore totally derelict MacBrayne 181
s denotes vehicle for spares only
? denotes vehicle not seen for some time, may be scrapped or changed owner Body: Ds = Dennis;
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©John Wakefield August 2004