Launched in June 1980, the TL was intended to complement the Bedford TK, on which it was heavily based.

One of the main advantages of the TL over the TK was the incorporation of a tilt cab, improving maintenance.

A tilt cab was a feature of the TK's main competitor, the Ford D series, and had long been seen as a major advantage.

[6] The TL was designed mainly for short hauls, but comfort was a bigger priority than for the TK.

The diesel units were the updated versions of the TK's 3.6-litre four-cylinder 220D and the 5.4-litre six-cylinder 330D, with the option for heavier models of the 8.2-litre Blue Series.