Description
Hi. We know it’s quite a bold statement to say “An extremely unique and exceptional Bedford Rascal van”, something easily said about vehicles but how often is it true? We've all read adverts in the past that boast a vehicle is “in stunning condition” or “where do you find another?” and then when you see them in the flesh, you start to notice things aren't so stunning or you buy it and then you soon start to open your wallet after you find there's a bodged repair or two and a list of things need doing - not with our Rascal.
Our Rascal has only done 19, 000 (genuine) miles and we have all the paper MOTs dating right back to its first MOT. Our Rascal has never been used as a commercial vehicle, having lived a very pampered life with its 3 owners (we're the third). Therefore, our Rascal has never had any rust and is totally corrosion free. There's many a bodyshop that can do fantastic repairs and bring a van to 'as new' condition - ours doesn't need such treatment, it's totally original and original means fantastic condition, not “worn” as so often seems to be the case with 'original' vehicles.
The load area is quite simply amazing and very very shiny. From the day it was collected from GM Bedford Main Dealers, Welch Van and Trucks, Bristol, it had a sheet of polythene on the load area floor, with plywood on top of that and then a layer of a very 80s carpet on top, all of which remain in place as does the ply lined walls and doors.
We've spoken to the member of Welch's sales team who handled all the admin of our Rascal, she shared some photos and also told us how they were one of the top Bedford dealers in the country.
The first owner, a retired gentleman, Ivor, bought our Rascal on 1st September 1989 and used it as his personal transport. Ivor chose the 5 speed gearbox and added a couple of options on top - a heated rear window and rear wash/ wipe. Incidentally, if it had been a 4 speed model, the top speed would have been 69 mph, with the 5 speed gearbox our Rascal can ‘allegedly’ hit the dizzy heights of 73 mph, although the fastest we’ve ever driven it is 50mph, usually 30-40mph.
Ivor sold our Rascal to his friend Betty Hawkins in 1993. Betty bought the van for her husband who is a keen horticulturist, winner of Horticultural Society Flower Competitions and also a judge at other flower shows. Bill needed a vehicle to transport his prize winning dahlias to shows for a couple of months a year, Betty spotted the ideal solution when Ivor decided to sell his much cherished Rascal van. Bill only used our Rascal for those couple of months a year and they stored it in their double garage alongside their everyday car. We spoke to Bill after we bought the van and he gave us all the information and also shared some photos of himself, his dahlias and our Rascal. Bill had been thrilled with our Rascal over the 23 years they looked after it and only decided to sell it as he was 86 and wasn't making much use of it, you'll see that from the MOT history (current MOTd until 31 May 2022). Our Rascal has been totally reliable and has only needed tyres, an exhaust and the battery replacement in addition to routine servicing.
The load area isn't just the only highlight, the engine bay is like new, the phenomenally low mileage and the continuous dry storage with all 3 owners has certainly helped - no need to start sprucing things up, not here, just tilt the seats back and let people admire the stunningly well preserved engine bay complete with all the original stickers and yellow Pre Delivery Inspection (PDI) dots. The load area and engine bay are relatively easy to see but what about the underbody? Again, no filler, no rust, no corrosion and never welded at all, at this mileage you wouldn't expect any issues or repairs, would you. Underneath will just make you or any admirers smile due to how original and ‘spot on’ it is, there's just a light coating of pale waxoil letting the Cargo Blue paintwork shine through, the dealer fitted mud flaps have no doubt helped with the protection.
Other special highlights are the original and perfect supplying dealer number plates, these, together with the original dealer sticker in the rear window, add to the period feel. Even the original rubber flooring in the front of the van is in lovely condition, rubber floor mats have often worn through and genuine original replacements are unheard of. Incidentally, a gentle peel back of the rubber flooring reveals shiny, blemish free paintwork underneath.
Our Rascal always proves a big hit at classic shows, people flock to it. If you want to take the Rascal to shows and be low-key, that isn't going to happen, you're going to be busy with people chatting to you, yes, there's lot of people out their who's dad had one and who remember florists nipping around town in one. We'll often have the twin side doors slid open and be sat on cargo bay floor with our legs dangling out (quite comfy really) and we'll spot the admirers heading over hehe.
We bought our Rascal from Karl at KGF Classics. Anyone who knows KGF, knows the calibre of vehicles they decide to sell are always a little bit special. If you've not come across KGF, search for them online.
A wealth of documentation, as well as the handbooks and original brochure, make up an interesting and comprehensive history file.
The only downside is some slight scratches to the window of the passenger door and the unrestored wheels have some minor age related markings.
We originally bought the van as not only an attraction at shows, but also as a way of transporting my late mum's collection of vintage prams. We had the towbar fitted to tow our very miniature caravan to shows as well. It was a very lightweight caravan and designed to be towed behind trikes and motorbikes, Google “Tardis Shuttle Caravan” and you'll see just how miniature.
We have uploaded two videos to YouTube, just search YouTube for "Superb Bedford Rascal" – the first video is 21 minutes long, so I’d go and make a brew first if I was you.
Thanks for reading.
