1977 Bedford TK Historic Livestock Carrier
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Highlights
- Fully restored 7 years ago
- Incredible condition
- Owned by enthusiastic collectors
The Appeal
Designed to take over from the Bedford S Type, the Bedford TK was a truck that could be configured into any shape depending on your trade (including fire engines, military use, horse boxes, livestock carriers, or a flatbed). The versatility and design was so ground breaking that it would stay in production until 1986.
This Bedford TK was used as a commercial vehicle for the majority of its life, but it would end up with a collector who would treat it well. Putting it in for restoration at one of the best Bedford restoration companies
As the summer is well and truly upon us, this beautifully presented truck will be the star of any car or county show you may wish to go to.
The History and Paperwork
- Built in the sleepy Bedfordshire town of Dunstable, this Bedford TK would leave the factory in livestock carrying configuration
- As you can probably imagine for a truck like this, the first parts of its life is a little bit undocumented as it was used for a purpose
- It is believed that this TK was owned by a very successful figure in the horse racing community
- Used to transport thoroughbred horses to and from the prestigious rings of places such as Ascot
- After its life as a working vehicle, it ends up with an agricultural collector
- This collector apparently only collects vehicles with very interesting stories, so you can imagine that this TK has lived an excellent life
- During its time with the previous owner, it is put through an extensive restoration as a restoration company in Hertfordshire that specialise in the restoration of these types of vehicles
- A lot of time, money, and effort was poured into the restoration of this truck, and it now looks stunning, better than new some may even say.
- It is said that this restoration cost in the region of £80,000
- Stored alongside some other amazing pieces of agricultural machinery for the rest of the time with the previous owner
- The current owner acquired this Bedford TK about this time last year, and they have enjoyed every second spent with it.
- The V5 is present in the current owner’s name
- Although it doesn’t technically need an MOT, due to its age, the current owner has said that it can be supplied with 12 month's MOT
- Now it is your chance to add to the truck’s history, with the summer show season well and truly upon us this truck should be more than capable of winning a rosette or two.
The Interior
- Rubber floor replaced during restoration
- Very clean headlining
- Lovely condition all-round
With so few miles on the clock, and complete restoration completed a few years ago it is no wonder that it is presented in such great condition. Although presented like new, the current owner has stated that the interior is still very original.
The interior is the heart of any classic vehicle; therefore, it must be nice and comfortable for all of the occupants, and with this being a lorry designed to haul for long distances it is even more important. You will be happy to hear that the three seats fitted within this cab are presented very well. The black material shows little signs of major damage, there are a few small marks here and there but in general, this just shows that it has been used properly throughout its life.
One of the greatest interior features is that the interior of the cab is finished in the same beige paint that is found on the exterior. Carrying this light colour scheme through that cabin makes the whole affair feel bigger, once again making it a much better place to sit and watch the miles roll by.
Looking at the interior in more detail we can see that smaller elements such as all the switch gear, toggles, and even door cards are all presented extremely well and ready for you to enjoy.
Wherever you wish to take this Bedford in the future you will be doing it in a very clean and well put together interior.
The Exterior
- All exterior chrome is presented well
- Amazing paint quality
- Custom built rear section
Offered in multiple configurations to suit the original purchasers' trade the Bedford TK looks very pretty, with its sweeping lines and amazing two-tone paint job meaning that it will look great wherever you park it. This variant was assembled in the Dunstable factory as a livestock carrier, a configuration that it has kept during its extensive restoration.
It is probably thanks to the extensive and expensive restoration that this Bedford TK is presented for sale in amazing condition, using modern paints it may even look better than when it rolled off the production line in 1977.
During its restoration, no panel was left untouched, with every aspect of the exterior receiving some love along the way. That being said though it must be emphasised that no welding was undertaken within the sheet metal at all, an amazing feat for a 45 year old commercial vehicle. This metalwork condition extends to the underside as well, with the current owner stating that it is as clean as the top side.
The pièce de résistance of the entire exterior is the wonderful bed at the back. With the rest of the truck receiving a lot of work, it was time to do something about the rear section. To match the rest of the exterior it now has a steel and hardwood custom tray, that they spent hours fabricating at the time of the restoration. All of the side sections are also hinged, or should you wish to have a flatbed you can remove all of the sides.
With all the time and money spent on getting the exterior of this Bedford TK up to scratch, this is definitely one you can ill afford to miss, TKs in this condition rarely come up for sale. No matter where you take this truck in the future you will also turn a few heads as you trundle down the road.
The Mechanics
- Rebuilt engine and gearbox
- Runs like a dream
- Lovely to drive with its torquey engine
As you can probably gather by now, no expense has been spared on the restoration of this Bedford TK. This level of attention to detail and craftsmanship has also extended to the mechanical aspects of this truck.
The big 3.5l inline six petrol engine has undergone a full rebuild meaning that it now performs even better than when it was new. Along with the newly rebuilt engine, the gearbox was also rebuilt providing nice and smooth gear changes without any crunching. The rest of the mechanical elements also received a lot of love during the restoration.
With all of the work completed to get this truck restored you will have the time of your life when you get out and about in this piece of haulage history. It should be as easy as turning up on the day of collection and driving it home.
Summary
It is probable that there is no other Bedford TK out there on the market today that is presented in this kind of condition. The restoration has made sure that this TK will be able to truck on for another 45 years in very good health.
As the summer show season is just about to get underway properly, you still have time to acquire a new item into your collection that could be able to win multiple awards because of the way that it is presented today.
Make no mistake, TKs like this seldom come up for sale so don’t miss out on this excellent example.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1977
- Make Bedford
- Model TK
- Colour Cream
- Odometer 83,131 Miles
- Engine size 3519
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Hertfordshire
- Country United Kingdom
36
bids
- ol•••• £15,500 07/07/22
- si•••• £15,250 07/07/22
- ol•••• £15,000 07/07/22
- ol•••• £14,750 07/07/22
- si•••• £14,500 07/07/22
- si•••• £14,250 07/07/22
- ol•••• £14,000 07/07/22
- si•••• £13,750 07/07/22
- ol•••• £13,500 07/07/22
- si•••• £13,250 07/07/22
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