1983' Bedford CF

The Bedford CF was a range of full-size panel vans produced by Vauxhall/ Bedford. Introduced in 1969 to replace the CA model, the new van was sized to compete directly with the Ford Transit, which had entered production four years earlier. Bedford was a General Motors subsidiary, and in some markets outside the United Kingdom and Ireland the CF was sold through Opel dealers as the Opel Bedford Blitz. The Bedford brand continued on certain badge engineered light van designs from Isuzu and Suzuki, before being retired in 1991.

The CF series 1 facelift was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor show as the 1979-1980 model year, with a completely new dashboard facia and significant upgrades. A new instrument housing included fuel and temperature gauges along with a stem of warning lights to monitor ignition, hydraulic brake pressure, brake wear, oil pressure and indicator lamps. Another big improvement was the heating controls with eyeball fresh air vents. Insulation and sound deadening via a rubber moulded floor covering with colour matched door and seating in pleated cloth with vinyl side trims. This example is using the 2. 3 litre slant four OHV petrol unit. The restyled front end was engineered so that by removing 8 bolts the whole front panel could be completely removed, providing easy access to the engine so it could be removed from the front instead of from underneath like on the CF1.
This exceptionally rare example of a Bedford panel van without side windows, only rear door glass has been much loved and well maintained by only two owners, three shown on the V5 as it was owned by a company then the businesses managing director. The vehicle is now being offered for sale after many years of ownership very reluctantly by the 90 year old owner. A91 BCN has only been used for Classic vehicle event for many years now since it had an extensive rebuild. Although the van has covered 133K miles it’s showing 33K on the original speedometer. During the re-build many years ago now the colour was changed from light blue to dark blue this has been completed to a high standard the panels are straight end rust free. Rust protection has been executed from new and every few years it’s been reapplied hence the body is still very good.
A very recent MOT test has been carried out so this van is legal to use NOW and requires no work drive and enjoy, I’m sure as with all vehicles of its age will some improvements but these vans are few and far between in this condition. The engine is sound and passed the emissions test despite not being a legal requirement due to its age, but shows how well it’s running.
Maintained regardless of cost this van has been fitted with a full stainless steel exhaust system and had a custom stainless steel replacement fuel tank made to replace the original item. Recent new heater matrix and complete service including Cam belt and all fluids changed. With the current Lockdown set to ease this van is ready to enjoy at classic events during the summer.
The popularity of classic vans is ever more increasing and these are very sound investments. This van has been used as a Day van/ Camper van as can be seen in the rear the option is there to return this to a classic load carrier or use as is, so there’s a few options for its continued use.