[1800CD] Bedford SB3 {79883} / Harrington {2299} C41F; new 6/1960 as Unique, Brighton #35; seen here on excursion duties on the occasion of the 1968 HCVS London to Brighton Run (© Peter Esposito via Chris Stanley)

[1950MN] Protours (IOM) Duple bodied Bedford OB 1950MN is seen negotiating the first of two hairpin bends on the descent on the road from Snaefell Mountain to Tholt-y-Will (sometimes referred to as the Island’s Switzerland). Operation of a psv along this section of the road is normally barred and only permitted on special occasions with dispensation from the Island’s road department. Tholt-y-Will road, Isle of Man - Monday, July 23, 2007. (© Richard Dodge)

(326 CAA), a 1961 Bedford SB3 / Harrington, new to CHISNELL of Winchester. Here at the Amberley Museum for the Harrington Bus Day, 10th June 2007. (Chris Stanley©)

[380FGB] Bedford VAS1 1024 / Willowbrook 61019 B30F; new 5/1962 as MacBrayne, Glasgow 80; seen at the Scottish bus museum. (© Dave Gothard)

[399ETB] 1958 Bedford SB3 / Duple C41F; original operator Robinson, Great Harwood now owned operated by Coastal & Country, Whitby; Whitby May 2009 (© Peter Esposito via Chris Stanley)

[606HTC] Bedford SB3 {66765} / Plaxton C35F {582383}; New to Rothwell, Heywood, Lancs. 2/1959. Later operated by North Wales Classic Tours. Photo of arrival at new owners Jacobs of St. Stephens, Cornwall (© Pete Jones)

675OCV; 1962 Bedford SB3 @ Amberley 17 September 2006 (Phil Rawlings)

[966RVO] Bedford VAL14 {1115} / Yeates {0013} C50D; new 7/1963 as Barton 966; seen at Weston Park (© Dave Gothard)

[ACC629] Delivered in 1950 to an Anglesey coach operator, Bibby’s Bedford OB Duple Vista (C29F) then found its way to the Channel Islands. It was later sold to a company in the Leeds area and its penultimate home was with Blue Band Motors of Lockerbie, Scotland. Fred Bibby bought the vehicle in 1975 and drove it to Ingleton, where it still is today. It is PSV MOT tested every December and is in excellent working condition; seen here at “Operation Homeguard Ingleton 2009” (© Bill McHugh) # 2 of 2

[ACC629] Delivered in 1950 to an Anglesey coach operator, Bibby’s Bedford OB Duple Vista (C29F) then found its way to the Channel Islands. It was later sold to a company in the Leeds area and its penultimate home was with Blue Band Motors of Lockerbie, Scotland. Fred Bibby bought the vehicle in 1975 and drove it to Ingleton, where it still is today. It is PSV MOT tested every December and is in excellent working condition; seen here at “Operation Homeguard Ingleton 2009” (© Bill McHugh) # 1 of 2

AJB635 1937 Bedford WS Thornycroft Soc Hants Road Run Milestones 17.08.08 (Phil Rawlings ©)

[AJB635] 1937 Bedford WS; seen together with [HOD75] 1949 Bedford OB Duple, and [741UKL] 1995 Volvo B140M Van Hool Alyse of Mervyns Coaches at Basingstoke 2009 (© Peter Quinn)

[AJT176] BEDFORD WTB, 1939; this bus is uniquely fitted with Wilmott bodywork it was new to Herb Vincent of Thorncombe, served around Chard, Crewerne, Bridport and Lyme Regis for 24 years, progressively restored over 25 years but remained unused – bought by Dave Prosser in 2005 lots more work done and has been out and about since 2006. (Dave Gothard ©)

Cosy Coaches ATS408; 1948 Bedford OB with 29-seat Duple Vista body. Seen at Chatsworth Preserved Bus Gathering – 24th June 2007. (© Doug Spencer)

[AVJ539B] 1964 Bedford J2SZ10 {194049} / Duple (Midland) C19F; New to Teme Valley Motors, Leintwardine, Herefordshire. (© Pete Jones)

Bedford J-type bus at the 2007 Bedford Gathering (Ron Comben)

[BEP882] 1951 Bedford OB / Duple bodywork, seen leaving Llandudno rally. (© Dave Gothard)

[CMG30] Bedford WLB with Duple C20R coachwork; the vehicle was new to Garner of Ealing in June 1935. It was acquired by Rambler Coaches (Hastings) in November 2008 from Taylors of Tintinhull, having been in store; Seen here on the occasion of the 1969 HCVS London to Brighton Run (© Peter Esposito via Chris Stanley)

(CNW155C), Bedford Val 14 / Harrington, new in 1965 to HEAP TOURS, Leeds. Amberley, 10th June 2007. (Chris Stanley©)

CTP200 1944 Bedford OWB Seen in Portsmouth colours where it served as No 170. Photographed at Classic Auto Motion at Crowthorne 22 June 1997 (Phil Rawlings ©)

[CUW82] Bedford WTB with Duple C25F body, operated by Vic’s Tours, St. Marys, Isles of Scilly, photo taken in 1958 (© Pete Jones).

[DCC125] 1955 Bedford SB3 / Duple C38F, new to Whiteway’s of Waenfawr. Madeira Drive Brighton for the 48th HCVS London to Brighton Run, 3rd May 2009. (© Chris Stanley) #2 of 2

[DCC125] 1955 Bedford SB3 / Duple C38F, new to Whiteway’s of Waenfawr. Madeira Drive Brighton for the 48th HCVS London to Brighton Run, 3rd May 2009. (© Chris Stanley) #1 of 2

EAJ679 1948 Bedford OB at the Cart Marking Ceremony Guildhall 18.06.08 (Phil Rawlings©)

[EAJ679] 1948 Bedford OB Plaxton C29F, new to Howard of Whitby; Madeira Drive, Brighton on the HCVS London to Brighton Run, 3rd May 2009. (© Chris Stanley)

[ECT912] Bedford OB {135037} / Duple Vista C29F {43457}; New 4/1950 to Sharpe, Heckington; Preserved by O. R. Jones, Llanfaethlu (© Pete Jones)

(EHV 65) Bedford OB/Duple, new in 1951 to EAST HAM BOROUGH COUNCIL. Amberley Bus Show, 14th September 2008. (Chris Stanley ©)

[ETC760B] Bedford VAS2 {1684} / Plaxton {642328} C29F; new 4/1964 to Entwistle, Morecambe; seen here at Glasson Dock c1974; (©Anne McHugh (née Entwistle)

[ETC760B] Bedford VAS2 {1684} / Plaxton {642328} C29F; new 4/1964 to Entwistle, Morecambe; (©Anne McHugh (Née Entwistle) This was the last Bedford purchased by Entwistle and is seen here photographed with owner Frank Entwistle (Anne’s late father) when new. This vehicle is a survivor and is now owned and operated by Don Hale of Dons Coaches, Dunmow.

[ETC760B] Bedford VAS2 {1684} / Plaxton {642328} C29F; new 4/1964 to Entwistle, Morecambe; seen here in Regent Park Avenue, Morecambe; (©Anne McHugh (née Entwistle)

[ETC760B] Bedford VAS2 {1684} / Plaxton {642328} C29F; new 4/1964 to Entwistle, Morecambe; seen here in Moss House Garage, Regent Park Avenue, Morecambe; (©Anne McHugh (née Entwistle)

[FEL 218] BOURNEMOUTH CORP #15. 1939 Bedford WTB / Burlingham body, withdrawn 1959, transferred to the BOURNEMOUTH CIVIL DEFENCE in 1961. Here on Madeira Drive Brighton for the 1969 HCVS London to Brighton Run. (© Peter Esposito via Chris Stanley)

FFX458 1952 Bedford MLC Basingstoke Festival Of Transport 11.5.08 (Phil Rawlings ©)

[FJB267] 1949 Bedford OB / Duple. In marvellous condition and still for hire and earning a living as a classic bus; Basingstoke Festival of Transport 10.05.09 (© Phil Rawlings)

FW2378 Bedford WLG seen at HCVS Madeira Drive 5 May 1996 (Phil Rawlings ©)

FW2378 1931 Bedford, East Kirkby 23.07.08 This little gem was in a hangar at the Lincs Aviation Heritage Centre hanger at East Kirkby in Lincs. (Phil Rawlings)

[GMB112C] BEA Bedford VAL14 {1594} / Plaxton {652490} C52F; new 1/1965 to Shearing, Altrincham; seen with [HMA588C] BEA Bedford VAL14 {1713} / Plaxton {652852} C51F; new 4/1965 to Shearing, Altrincham; Heathrow February 1970 (© Peter Esposito via Chris Stanley)

[GUJ356] 1950 Bedford OB {144984} / Duple Vista C29F; New to Gittins, Crickheath, Shropshire. Now preserved with Merediths of Malpas. (© Pete Jones)

GUP743C; 1965 Bedford VAL14/Plaxton C52F; Kenzies. Seen at Showbus 2007. (Doug Spencer ©)

[GVJ490] 1949 Bedford OB {127487} / Duple Vista {54489} C29F. Operated from new by Yeomans, Canon Pyon as fleet no: 81. Renumbered in July 1957 as fleet no: 17; Sold Feb.1969 to Rees, Llanelli Hill, nr. Abergavenny. (© Pete Jones)

(HB 4060), a 1932 Bedford WLB / Davis, new to WILLIAMS of Blania. Crystal Palace for the London to Brighton Run on 4th May 2008. (Chris Stanley©)

[HFH702] 1951 Bedford OB / Beadle B35R (JCB156), new to Silvey, Saul, Glos.. Photo taken in Falmouth, early 1960s - Vehicle with A. H. George (Pelere Motors) Penrhyn, when photographed. Vehicle fitted with a Perkins engine in 1962. (© Pete Jones)

[HKX553V] Unique Bedford JJL {IRK0JL9011} / Marshall {260253} B24F; new 11/1979 to Marshall, Cambridge {Also carries HW800101}; built as a demonstrator before entering service in Maidstone, passed to Bournemouth transport, 3 more were built but destroyed by fire or accidents leaving this one survivor; seen here with [B630WNG ex OJI4754, new as B392WTT] Bedford YMP {SKFYMP2DZET105839} / Plaxton {858MQP2C003} C35F; new 1/85 to Seward, Dalwood now operated by Blue Motors of Blackpool; seen at Kemble (© Dave Gothard)

[HKX553V] Unique Bedford JJL {IRK0JL9011} / Marshall {260253} B24F; new 11/1979 to Marshall, Cambridge {Also carries HW800101}. This vehicle was originally built, without running gear, for the 1976 London Motor Show and showed again at the 1979 Glasgow Motor Show; running gear was added in 1979 when the vehicle was first licensed. Of the four prototypes built this is the only remaining example. Seen at the Scorton rally, 2009 (© Dave Gothard)

[HLG812K] Bedford VAL70 {2T470731} / Plaxton {728398} C53F; new 6/1972 to Naylor, Stockton Heath. Preserved with M. & J. Travel, Newcastle on Clun. (© Pete Jones)

HOD75 1949 Bedford OB Basingstoke Festival Of Transport 11.5.08 (Phil Rawlings ©)

[HOT339] 1950 Bedford OB Gaydon 8th June 2008 (John Turnbull ©)

HOT339; 1950 Bedford OB/Duple C27F; Tanners Services. Seen at Showbus 2007. (Doug Spencer ©)

[HOT339] 1950 Bedford OB Quainton Steam & Vintage Vehicle Rally 21.09.08 (Phil Rawlings ©)

[HRO1] Bedford OB {47048} / Thurgood {328} C29F; new 4/47 to Sams, Hoddesdon (N); Brighton, May 1970 on the occasion of the HCVS London to Brighton Run. (© Peter Esposito via Chris Stanley) Many thanks to Christopher Platt for the identification.

HTF586, 1947 Bedford OB Single deck coach with body by Scottish Motor Traction seen in the livery of Warburton Bros (Bury) Ltd. Manchester Museum of Transport 20th April 2008 (Doug Spencer©)

[JT8077] Bedford WTB / Duple bodied 25-seater, new to Sheasbys of Corfe Castle in 1937. Once owned by singer Adge Cutler, she was used by Pearce Comfy Lux of Cattistock on summer seaside routes in Weymouth in 1987/88. Even in 2009 we find JT8077 still in use on the Isle of Wight, run by John Woodham of Ryde, on vintage coach tours of the island; and also took part in the 2009 HCVS London to Brighton Run; Seen here on the occasion of the 1969 HCVS London to Brighton Run (© Peter Esposito via Chris Stanley)

[JT8077] a 1937 Bedford WTB with 25 seat coachwork by Duple. JT was new to South Dorset Coaches at Corfe Castle in Dorset, and stayed with the company for thirty years; Madeira Drive Brighton, Sunday 3rd May 1970 on the occasion of the 5th London to Brighton Historic Commercial Vehicle Run (© Peter Esposito via Chris Stanley)

[KDV131F] Bedford VAM5 {7818634} / ECW {16639} B41F; new 1967 as Western National 701; Dartmouth, August 1968. (© Peter Esposito via Chris Stanley)

[KEL94] 1950 Bedford OB Quainton Steam & Vintage Vehicle Rally 21.09.08 (Phil Rawlings ©)

KNK373H;1969 Bedford J2 with Plaxton Embassy coachwork; Rickards. Seen at Showbus 2007. (Doug Spencer ©)

[KPW986] 1950 Bedford OB / Duple Vista; supplied new to Eagles Coaches of Norfolk and operated by them until 1978. Laid up ten years and sold for restoration; back on the road in 2004. Purchased by Lewis Coaches in 2005. Seen here at the Weymouth Bus Running day on the 21st June 2009 (© Robert Mac)

[KSU381] 1949 Bedford OB/Duple C29F; East Yorkshire Motor Services (Ex Tours, Isle of Man); seen at Sandtoft Trolleybus Museum July 1998 (Doug Spencer ©)

[KSU381] 1949 Bedford OB / Duple Vista; East Yorkshire Motor Services Fleet No 100 ex Tours, Douglas 1988 – original registration 1949MN then SS7676; seen at Meadowhall Bus Rally September 1996. (© Doug Spencer)

(KUL 343D), Bedford VAS2, new in 1966 as GREATER LONDON COUNCIL #343. Amberley Bus Gathering Day, 16th September 2007. (Chris Stanley©)

[LCJ929] 1954 Bedford SBO with Duple (Midland) B40F Body; New to Yeomans Motors, Canon Pyon as fleet no: 16. Ended up as a caravan on the Isle of Skye. (© Pete Jones)

[LDF833 + EAJ679] 1952 Bedford OB Duple C29F, new to New to Bowles Coaches, Ford, Gloucestershire together with 1948 Bedford OB Plaxton C29F, new to Howard of Whitby; Madeira Drive, Brighton on the HCVS London to Brighton Run, 3rd May 2009. (© Chris Stanley)

[LDF833] 1952 Bedford OB Duple C29F, new to New to Bowles Coaches, Ford, Gloucestershire. Believed to be the VERY LAST OB DUPLE built; Madeira Drive, Brighton on the HCVS London to Brighton Run, 3rd May 2009. (© Chris Stanley)

Bedford YLQ Ex. Warrens of Ticehurst, East Sussex, with Duple Dominant lux. 45 seat bodywork; taken in 2000 at a filling station in Remich, Luxembourg. The driver on this occasion was Jiri Jirek (David Griffiths)

[LMG164C] Bedford VAL14 {1823} / Marshall {B3496} B48D; new 1965 as BEA, Northolt 50; Heathrow February 1970. (© Peter Esposito via Chris Stanley)

[LSU857] 1946 Bedford OB / Mulliner; also still in use for hire as a classic bus. Again lovely finish and the engine sounded as good as new; Basingstoke Festival of Transport 10.05.09 (© Phil Rawlings)

LTA750 1949 Bedford OB Chiltern Hills Vintage Vehicle Rally 18.05.08 (Phil Rawlings ©)

[LTA750] 1949 Bedford OB Quainton Steam & Vintage Vehicle Rally 21.09.08 (Phil Rawlings ©)

LTA752, 1950 Bedford OB at the Cart Marking Ceremony Guildhall 18.06.08 (Phil Rawlings ©)

[LYE796D] Bedford VAM5 {6807199} / Plaxton {669252} C45F; new /1966 to Margo’s of Penge, SE20; seen here on the Crystal Palace Parade, London in 1969. (© Peter Esposito via Chris Stanley)

[MFM38] CROSVILLE SL70; 1950 Bedford OB / Duple C29F. Withdrawn by 1970. Here in Kent, 22nd February 2009. (© Chris Stanley) *recently advertised for sale at £1500*

[MV8996] BEDFORD WLB / DUPLE 1931, the first duple body on a Bedford WLB chassis, operated for a few months as a demonstrator for Arlington Motors a Bedford dealer then sold to Howards of West Byfleet, in 1932. It remained in service until 1963, then spent some years in the colours of Enterprise and Silverdawn subsequently restored in the colours of the Gypsy Queen Company (© Dave Gothard)

MVE400H; 1969 Bedford J2/Plaxton C15F; E K Flack. Seen at Showbus 2007. (Doug Spencer ©)

MVE400H; 1969 Bedford J2/Plaxton C15F; E K Flack. Seen at Showbus 2007. (Doug Spencer ©)

[NVJ821] 1956 Bedford SBG {47031} / Duple Super Vega C37F; Operated by Wye Valley Motors, Hereford. (© Pete Jones)

[NWG989X] Bedford YNT {CT103097} / Plaxton {8211NTS6C012} C53F; new 5/1982 to Angel Motors, London N15 (©Peter Esposito via Chris Stanley).

[NWG989X] This coach later ventured to the Isle of Man in the Tours (IOM), and later Protours (IOM), fleets being re-registered MAN 111J in 1990, although it left the fleet a short while ago. The coach is seen at the former Summerhill depot, Douglas, Isle of Man carrying its second fleet number, 53, having initially been numbered 51 when it arrived. (© Richard Dodge)

[OTY208] 1959 Bedford C5Z1 {3767} / Duple (Midland) B30F; Ex-Tait, Morpeth; Ex-Corvedale Motors, Ludlow No: 11; Photo with Teme Valley Motors, Leintwardine. Sold to Davies, Pencader. (© Pete Jones)

[PNM757M] Great Ouse Valley Bedford YRQ {CW452611} / Plaxton {7410QC024} C45F; new 3/1974 to W & P Eayrs, Goldington; Basingstoke Festival of Transport 10.05.09 (© Phil Rawlings)

(PPH 698) Bedford SB / Duple, new in 1951 to HR RICHMOND Ltd. Here on the Worcester Park Running Day, 10th August 2008. (Chris Stanley ©)

[PPH698] 1951 Bedford SB/Duple seen at the Weymouth bus running day 22nd June 2008 (© Robert Mac)

[PYY28D] Bedford J2 J2SZ2 6835224 / Willowbrook CFJ2/366/66420 C10F new 7/1966 as a non-PSV to the Royal Household, Kensington (as KLP1D) (© Dave Gothard)

[PYY28D] This is a previous colour scheme seen at Crich. It was in use as a coach for the Queen Mother on one of the Royal estates. (© Dave Gothard)

[RWO840] 1957 Bedford SB8 {56723} / Duple (Midland) B42F body. New to Jones of Aberbeeg; Ex-Corvedale Motors, Ludlow No: 23. Photo with Teme Valley Motors, Leintwardine. Now scrapped (© Pete Jones)

[RWX178M] Bedford YRT {CW453741} / Plaxton {7411TB801} B54F; new 3/1974 to A & C Wigmore, Dinnington. (© Steve Saunders via Chris Stanley)

[SSV814] Originally registered RTG749; Bedford SBG (i.e. petrol) {chassis no 36789} / Burlingham C36F bodywork; new 5/55 to Humphreys, Pontypridd, Glamorgan. It was replaced by a new AEC Reliance (209GNY) in May 1960, and passed to Letheren, Lydney, Glos, that same month. It later returned to Wales, operating for two Montgomeryshire firms, Williams, Llangadfan and then Morris & Evans, Llanfyllin. (© Steve Saunders via Chris Stanley)

[TM9347] 1931 Bedford WHB with 14-seat Waveney coachwork. The Bedford was restored by Arlington Motors in 1964 and is now part of the Vauxhall Heritage collection; Seen here on the occasion of the 1969 HCVS London to Brighton Run (© Peter Esposito via Chris Stanley)

[TMY700] 1949 Bedford OB / Duple Vista with Lodge Coaches of High Easter, Essex seen at Showbus 2008 (Robert Mac ©)

BEDFORD VAS - USS 416L - 1972, new to Ian Glass of West End East Lothian, fitted with Bedford’s 6 cylinder diesel, Panorama IV coachwork by Plaxton. Seen at the Trans-Pennine Run 3rd August 2008. (Dave Gothard©)

UVE593K; 1972 Bedford J2SZ2. The coach body is by Plaxton and has 20 seats. New to NBTS, Cambridge. Seen at Madeira Drive, Brighton, 04.05.2008 (Lars Petter Skau)

[VAL965L] Bedford YRT {CW456151} / Plaxton {732435} C53F; new 6/1973 as Barton 1252; Essex, 29th November 2008 (© Chris Stanley).

[VCD984] Another variation of a Bedford C5Z1, this time with a Duple Vista C29F coach body; this one has been preserved in the West Country. (© Pete Jones)

[WDD17X] Bedford YNT {LW453085} / Plaxton {8211NTS6X507} C53F; new 2/1982 to Beard, Cinderford; Amberley Bus Day, 16th September 2007. (© Chris Stanley)

[WLO685] 1959 Bedford SB3 / Duple C41/F. New to CURRIE, Bexleyheath. Chatham Historic Dockyard, 12th April 2009. A terrific restoration. (© Chris Stanley) #1 of 3

[WLO685] 1959 Bedford SB3 / Duple C41/F. New to CURRIE, Bexleyheath. Chatham Historic Dockyard, 12th April 2009. A terrific restoration. (© Chris Stanley) # 2 of 3

[WLO685] 1959 Bedford SB3 / Duple C41/F. New to CURRIE, Bexleyheath. Chatham Historic Dockyard, 12th April 2009. A terrific restoration. (© Chris Stanley) # 3 of 3