Launched at the Commercial Vehicle Show in 1950, it was the largest Bedford lorry available at the time.

Originally available only with a 110 bhp (82 kW) petrol engine, a diesel was added in 1953.

The lorry proved popular amongst haulers and general traders, for fire engines, and was used for the first liquid egg tanker in 1966.

[1] At introduction, the lorry was fitted with a 4.92 L (300 cu in) 6-cylinder Bedford petrol engine that produced 110 bhp (82 kW) at 3200 rpm.

[4] The vehicle was the basis for the Bedford RL all-wheel-drive transport that served in large numbers with the British Army.