Lot Ended
Description
Extremely rare version of this iconic British
load-lugger; one of only around 400 made; just two previous keepers and
showing only 19,500 miles
The Bedford CF Electric was
introduced in 1982 and was built as a partnership between Bedford,
the government and battery manufacturer Chloride Group, mainly for use
by government agencies and the Royal Mail.
Powered by a
detachable underfloor bank of 36 monobloc 6-volt batteries, it had
a 37kw (50hp) DC motor at the rear with the motor control system under the
bonnet along with a diesel cabin heater. The vans had a top speed of 54mph
and a maximum range of around 70 miles although hills, heavy loads and cold
weather could reduce this to as little as 15 miles.
Not something that
would compete with today’s electric market, but battery technology was not
advancing quickly enough at the time, and only around 400 were built before it
was quietly shelved in 1987.
Many of them will have been
left in fields to become part of the landscape but this one has managed to
survive largely intact. The battery pack is long gone but the bare bones of the
chassis and interior have stood the test of time pretty well, the odometer
showing only 19,500 miles which may be correct. The bodywork has
suffered a little, but the interior makes the low mileage seem
plausible.
Coming with a V5C which
shows only two former keepers, it also has a handbook and some period
brochures. A rare survivor and an interesting project, it is
definitely worth coming to see and you can decide how best to power those wheels
once again….
Contact - [email protected]