Bedford S-Type Tanker.
The year is 1959, and a Bedford S-Type petrol tanker delivering Mobilgas fuel is captured on film in this latest photo sent over by Bonny. The location is the main road between Limassol and Nicosia in Cyprus, where Bonny was serving in the Armed Forces at the time. The bright red articulated Bedford tanker takes up most of the road, on what was a recently widened section of carriageway. A very smart looking tanker, reminiscent of the similarly-styled playthings that were produced by Corgi Toys in the early 1960s, also in Mobilgas livery.
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Pursuing the Bedford down the winding road is a Thornycroft, of similar vintage.
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A number of photographs featuring the militarised 4x4 version of the S-Type Bedford, namely the RL, already feature on the site (for example on this page), but this is the first period shot of the civilian S-Type to get a mention in the old-photos section.
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The 7-ton "Big Bedford", or S-Type, was introduced to the public at the 1950 Commercial Motor Show. It was powered by a six-cylinder 4.9 litre 110bhp petrol engine, coupled to a synchromesh gearbox. Early lorries were fitted with a part-hydraulic, part-mechanical braking system, although this was soon updated to an improved, fully-hydraulic, arrangement shortly after full scale production had begun. The SB chassis was also not long in coming, designed with passenger- rather than load-carrying duties in mind. The 4x4 R-Type would go on to be the basis for the military's 3-ton 4x4 RL. In 1953 a diesel engine was offered as an option. 4- and 6-ton versions came on stream in 1957, the same year that Bedford's own diesel engine - of 4.9 litre capacity - went into production.
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In 1960, the S-Type's replacement - the TK - was launched. Photos of the newer vehicle may now be found on the Bedford TK photo page.
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Other references to S-Types on OldClassicCar.
Bedfords of many differing styles may be found across the site (the site search will help track them down). Below are a selection of related pages that may be of interest.
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A restored S-Type on the Cheshire Run.
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Semi-derelict example parked in Australia.
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Restored Bedford seen at Gaydon.
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Toy petrol tanker produced by Wells Brimtoy of Great Britain.
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Return to Page 18 in the photographic archive, or visit the main index here. Thanks to Bonny for this particular image.
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