Bedford S type
The Bedford S is a heavy lorry produced in Great Britain between 1950 and 1959.
| Bedford S Type | |
|---|---|
 1954 S type | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Bedford Vehicles |
| Production | 1950–1959 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Layout | FR |
| Related | Bedford SB Bedford RL |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 4.92 L (300 cu in) Bedford I6 petrol Perkins R6 diesel 5.76 L (351 cu in) Leyland O.350 diesel Bedford diesel |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 86 in (2,180 mm) 116 in (2,950 mm) 156 in (3,960 mm)[1] |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Bedford TK |
Description
The S was launched at the Commercial Vehicle Show in 1950.[2] Known as the "Big Bedford", it was the largest Bedford lorry available at the time, with a gross vehicle weight of 7 long tons (7,100 kg).
Propulsion
At introduction, the lorry was fitted with a 4.92 L (300 cu in) 6-cylinder Bedford petrol engine that produced 110 bhp (82 kW) at 3200 rpm.[2] Drive was through a four-speed manual gearbox featuring synchromesh on the top three gears, and final drive in the rear axle was by hypoid gears. The Perkins R6 diesel engine was made an option in 1953, soon joined by the Leyland O.350, and Bedford's own diesel in 1957.[3]
Use
The Bedford S was used extensively by haulers and general trades through the 1950s and 1960s. The chassis was used for fire engines and to carry the first liquid egg tanker.[4]
See also
References
- "The New Big Bedfords (advertisement)". Commercial Motor. 22 September 1950. pp. 70–71.
- Tucker, P. J. (1950). "A Show to Remember". Commercial Motor. 22 September 1950: 157.
- Carroll, John; Davies, Peter J. (2015). The Complete Book of Tractors & Trucks. London: Greene & Golden. pp. 334–335.
- Kerrey, R. S. (1966). "First Egg Tanker". Commercial Motor. 18 November 1966: 80.
- Furness, Nigel R. B. (2016). Bedford Buses and Coaches. Marlborough: Crowood Press. p. 68.