[2] Generally it was supplied as a light delivery van with sliding doors, but it was also available as a chassis with cowl upon which specialist bodywork could be added.

The longer wheelbase version had the body lengthened by an additional short roof panel, with wider doors.

The 3-speed gearbox was mounted immediately behind the engine, and torque was transmitted to a live rear axle via an open tubular prop shaft.

The four-speed gearbox from later FC-series models could be easily retro-fitted to any three-speed Bedford CA, and later was offered as a factory option.

The vehicle was powered by an inline four cylinder petrol engine of 1508cc at first with pushrod operated overhead valves and a three-main bearing crankshaft.

[2] Later models also benefitted from the slightly larger 1,594 cubic centimetres (97.3 cu in) engine, as fitted in the Vauxhall Victor FB post 1964.

[6] The engine extended back into the vehicle's passenger compartment, and was covered by a removable cowling.

This configuration meant that the driver and passenger were travelling with their feet alongside the engine, but allowed a good proportion of the vehicle's overall length to be used for its payload.

[2] Despite all of the linkages involved, in practice the system was reasonably precise, and a CA actually handled better than the early Ford Transit thanks to the independent front suspension.

The Bedford CA was designed in an era when semi-conductor devices were state-of-the-art, and not affordable for automotive applications.

Water temperature was thus measured mechanically, via a capillary tube connected to capsule containing a volatile liquid.