Rationalising its manufacturing, General Motors moved production of Chevrolet commercial vehicles to its Vauxhall car plant at Luton, from whence a redesigned range of 'Bedford' branded commercials emerged in 1931. In 1939, Bedford introduced the 'K' series which, in common with passenger cars of the time, was more curvaceously styled and featured a rounded radiator grille. The 'K' series catered for 30-40cwt payloads, while further up the scale Bedford offered the 'M' and 'O' series for loads of up to three tons and five tons respectively. In August 1939, two new prototypes of very special public vehicles were launched. The first was the famous red Routemaster double decker bus the second was the Bedford OB single decker bus, each destined to become an icon in their own right. Only a few weeks later war was declared and most of the Bedford production went into producing military vehicles and any buses that were made usually had utility, wooden slatted seats. Relatively few 'OB' chassis were built prior to WWII, but the model would prove to be an outstanding success with 12,766 produced up to 1951, making it one of the most popular buses of its type ever.

After the war, in an effort to stretch the available facilities and resources the Government ‘persuaded’ coach and bus builders to produce a dual purpose Bus/Coach model. This lovely 1949 Bedford OB Bus/Coach by Duple is one of these models, positioned halfway between a luxury Vista Coach and a utility Bus. Because it lost the curved swage lines of the luxury coach it was nicknamed the ‘Straight Liner’ which very few remain. In April 1949 this Bedford OB, body number DU54127 was supplied to South Nottinghamshire Bus company. Finished in cream with red wings and roof, with lovely red interior this coach is fitted with a tachograph. It can be driven on a normal driving licence with up to eight, none paying passengers, or it is fully licenced to be used commercially. Supplied with a V5C registration document, a class six MoT test certificate which expires 28^th August 2024, a PSV certificate of initial fitness and a history of the eight weekly PCV inspections with a new inspection being carried out just prior to the sale. This Bedford OB presents well, will be driven to the auction and is an opportunity to join the classic bus owner’s community with a business potential. Consigned by John Tomlin.