Description
THIS VEHICLE IS TO BE AUCTIONED AT GOODWOOD MEMBERS MEETING 19TH APRIL
** 1948 Bedford OB Plaxton Motor Coach**
Registration no. EAJ 679
Chassis no. OB68823
Engine no. A2/ 392048
• A classic of British bus design
Extensively restored 2006-2008 (engine rebuilt 2015)
• Present ownership since 2021
• Regularly maintained
General Motors had been importing Chevrolet commercial vehicles into the UK before setting up an assembly plant in Hendon in the late 1920s. Rationalising its manufacturing arrangements, GM moved Chevrolet production to its Vauxhall car plant at Luton, from whence a redesigned range of 'Bedford' branded commercials emerged in 1931. Competitively priced and reliable, this new six-cylinder 'W' series was an immediate success with the road haulage industry, and in its various forms remained in production until 1939. In that year Bedford introduced the 'K' series which, in common with passenger cars of the time, was more curvaceously styled and featured a rounded radiator grille. The K series catered for 30-40cwt payloads, while further up the scale Bedford offered the 'M' and 'O' series for loads of up to 3 tons and 5 tons respectively. Introduced at the same time (1939), the 'OB' was the coach version of the 'O' lorry chassis. Relatively few 'OB' chassis were built prior to WW2 but the model would prove to be an outstanding success post-war, with 12, 766 produced, making it one of the most popular buses of its type ever.
The deceased owner purchased this Plaxton-bodied Bedford OB motor coach from Bonhams' MPH sale in December 2021 (Lot 91). At that time we said the following: "... purchased by the late owner in 2006. Known as 'Charlie', the coach was in a good running and driving condition but required works to the woodwork and aluminium body. There are bills on file from Bygone Bedford Bits of Poole for many parts used during the restoration for the period 2006-2008 together with others from Vintage Military Vehicle Spares for a replacement gearbox, clutch, manifolds, etc. The engine was rebuilt in 2015 by G S Autos in Honiton, while South East Coachworks carried out extensive repairs to the ash frame and new skinning. There is a photographic record on file plus bills totalling circa £25, 000. The coach still presents well, and will be driven to the auction."
Since its acquisition for the vendor's private collection, the Bedford has been started regularly by the owner's mechanic to keep it in running condition. It now benefits from having an alternator fitted. A classic of British bus design with considerable potential for film, television and promotional work. Offered with a UK V5 Registration document.
