The Bedford CF is a small commercial van, a vehicle first introduced by Bedford – a subsidiary of Vauxhall - in 1969. It succeeded the ubiquitous Bedford CA van and was seen as a competitor to rival Ford’s Transit van. It was the last vehicle to be designed solely by Vauxhall and was discontinued in 1986. During its day, its versatility made it one of the most popular light commercials of the day and it was equally sought after as the template for a caravanette, notably the Bedford Dormobile. It came with longitudinal front engine and rear wheel drive and transmission of 2/4/5 manual to a 3-speed General Moors automatic. In 1980, a CF facelift introduced a 2.3L diesel engine as an alternative to the petrol engine.

Founded in 1890 by the Gunn brothers, Gunn JCB was to become one of the first JCB dealers in 1958. The family-owned company has dealerships at six strategically placed depots in the UK with its headquarters in Altrincham and branches across the Marches, the Isle of Man and Preston in Lancashire. It is now one of the largest and successful dealers worldwide. Offering both new and used quality JCB machinery, it also prides itself on service support and the supply of consumable products, namely the accessories needed for the vehicles offered.  And this is where our little van comes in.

Our model of the Bedford CF van as used by Gunn JCB is registered BBA 712T from 1978, pre face-lift. Decorated with white upper body and roof with yellow lower half, the red and print detail, complete with contact details and the signature JCB logo, tells us it is delivering parts from its central parts depot in Altrincham. Exterior trim is finished in silver whilst the inside is black. The van design includes double back doors as well as the driver and passenger cab doors. The Gunn name also features across the front of the bonnet above the famous Vauxhall Griffin badge.