LEZ Exempt 1975 Bedford TK 7.5Ton Beavertail Petrol/LPG

As the eBay details list doesn't really work for classic trucks, here’s a quick run down of the particulars.

Make – Bedford

Model – TK

Body – Beavertail transporter 14 foot long load area

Gross Weight – 7490KG (under the 7.5 ton limit)

Engine – 214 petrol (3.5 litre) with LPG conversion.

Year – 1975

First registered – 1977

Taxed to – Jan 2010

Tested to – July 2010

This is a 1975 Bedford TK first registered in 1977. It is in good condition with an excellent chassis and sound running gear. It is a petrol model featuring the 100 horsepower Bedford ‘214’ 6 cylinder 3.5 litre engine. This might sound like an uneconomical nightmare at first, but it returns a respectable 14mpg making it only a little thirstier than the diesel version. But it gets better. The truck has been converted to run on LPG which at its current price roughly halves the running costs making it much cheaper to run, costing roughly the same as a diesel powered truck if it was capable of returning 26-28mpg, and I don't know of any trucks this size that can return that sort of fuel consumption! For those who know Bedford diesels, this truck is not only cheaper to run than the lethargic but economical 4 cylinder ‘220’, it is also a bit quicker than the larger and thirstier 6 cylinder ‘330’. If that isn’t enough, having a petrol engine means it is exempt from the London LEZ scheme making it one of only a tiny number of modern classic trucks that can be driven inside greater London without attracting the £200 a day penalty.

Mechanically the truck is in good order and has recently had a brake overhaul including a new rear wheel cylinder and relined rear brake shoes. The brakes are air over hydraulic making stopping much easier than many old trucks, plus you get that lovely Bedford whistle when the pedal is released. The cab is solid except for one small area around one offside engine cover hinge which needs attention.

The truck currently has a 12000lb electric winch for loading, but this is not included in the sale. A pair of short ramps are included which are fine for loading smaller Land Rovers, although longer ramps would be needed for longer or lower vehicles. The truck has about a 4.5 ton payload meaning it can carry most cars and vans that will fit on the 14 foot load bed. For those times you want to use it as a regular truck there is a set of sides that extend up to the beavertail plus a rear tail board to create and enclosed area.

This is a great truck to drive giving the feeling you are driving a proper lorry, not some sort of oversized car, and its almost impossible to take it out without having a grin on your face after a short drive. It is also a very lively vehicle for something this size and age and, when empty, can keep pace with the traffic quite easily. This is the perfect truck for anyone wanting to move classic vehicles with a bit more class and style than a modern truck can give and without the disadvantages of high running costs and low speeds normally associated with classic trucks.

Please note that the photos of the empty truck and the engine bay were taken before the LPG conversion. If you want to come and have a look at the truck before bidding you would be very welcome.  Just drop me a line and give me a little warning and I'll arrange things for you. This is a privately owned truck, so I'm afraid inspections can only be evenings or at the weekend. Unfortunately you will only be able to test drive it in the yard unless you have insurance to drive a truck this size on the road (please bring proof if you want to drive on the road). If you would like extra photos of a specific area (time permitting) please let me know and I'll do my best to get them for you. And please don't be afraid to ask questions about the truck. I'll be happy to answer them for you.