C series

The C Type Bedfords

This page was last updated on 25/11/2012

The 'C' types (C4 & C5) were somewhat a stop gap measure by Bedford to bridge the gap for a 29/30 seat PSV chassis between the demise of the OB in 1951, & the introduction of the VAS in 1961.
Launched in 1957 the C type 29/30 seat PSVchassis was based on the 4 ton (C4), & 5 ton (C5), forward control lorry chassis derived from the S type. The 5 ton version was available both as 7ft 6inch, & 8ft wide widths, whilst the C4 was available only as 7ft 6inch.
The choice of engines, all driving through a 4 speed synchromesh gearbox were C4Z1 & C5Z1 with a Bedford 4.93 litre (300 cu in) 6 cylinder diesel engine, & the C4Z2 & C5Z2 with six cylinder 3.52 litre (214 cu in) petrol engine. A further petrol option was available as the C4Z3 & C5Z3 with six cylinder 4,93 litre (300 cu in) unit.
Duple were the predominant body builder with their Vista/Super Vista body name re- launched from its OB days. The C4 was popular with local authorities, but was also bought by rural coach operators such as Mulley of Ixworth who needed a 29 seat replacement for their ageing OB's. Probably the largest taker of the C4/5 was MacBraynes, the Scottish ferry operator who used the C5 for post bus work in the highlands & islands.

The C4/5 in Preservation
Less than a dozen C types survive into preservation, four MacBrayne (No's 36, 54, 179, & 181) are listed with Scottish owners whilst C4, UHJ 842, new to Rochford Hospital before passing into preservation with the late Peter Squibb, on his death it passed through the hands of two more preservationists, Chris Norris of Enfield & Andrew Lodge, High Easter. In 2010 It passed to Richard Towler of Brandon who plans to complete the restoration. Another C4, VCD 984 is in running order with Rundell of Falmouth as part of his 'King Harry Coaches' fleet. It was new to Alpha Brighton.
NCF 888 new to Mulley of Ixworth, & has remained in their yard for many years is in poor condition. It was acquired in November 2012 by Des Clarke of Bury St Edmunds for full restoration

Because of the low numbers extant, few C type PSV's come on the market. They don't command huge sums & a good one should be had for under Ł5000.

Bedford C4's
Reg. No	type	year	body	seating	current or last known owner	first owner
VCD 984 *	C4Z2	1958	Du	C29F	Rundell, Falmouth	Alpha, Brighton
568 BYA	C4Z2	1958	Du	C--F	Lusted, Croydon, South London, ex caravan by 9/11	Blagdon Lioness, Blagdon, Bristol
ESL 993	C4Z2	1959	Du	C25F	'Dennis', Rijeka, Croatia 11/12	Conway Hunt, Ottershaw as 24 EJO (re reg ESL 933)
UHJ 842	C4Z2	1959	Du	C29F	Towler, Brandon 6/10	Rochford Hospital
RRF 769B	C4Z2	1960	Du	C--F	Richardson, Stalham , caravan	Burton on Trent Hospital as LFA 31
Bedford C5's
NCF 888	C5Z2	1959	Du	C29F	Clarke, Bury St Edmunds 11/12	Mulley, Ixworth
OTY 208	C5Z1	1959	DM	B30F	Hughes, Llithfaen	Tait Morpeth
SVA 438	C5Z1	1958	DM	B30F	Emerton, Nantwich for sale tel 01270 624889	Hutchinson, Overton
WGG 630	C5Z1	1959	Du	C--F	McDonald, Howmore, Moy	MacBrayne 36
WXE 298	C5Z1	1960	Du	B--F	'Pete & Sarah', Spain - caravan	PERME (MoD), Westcott
YYS 174	C5Z1	1960	Du	C21FM	Walker, Lenzie	MacBrayne 54
603 CYS	C5C1	1961	Du	C29F	McPherson & MacDonald, Howmore	MacBrayne 179
605 CYS	C5C1	1961	Du	C29F	McDonald, Howmore totally derelict	MacBrayne 181