1961 Bedford J1 (J-Type) Truck
Sold for
£13,500
Ended 31 Mar 2025
Data from Car & Classic, updated on 10 Oct 2026
- Year
- 1961
- Mileage
- 33,239 miles
- Gearbox
- Manual
- Engine
- 3519cc
- Colour
- Red
- Location
- Surrey, United Kingdom
Specification
- Fuel
- Petrol
- Steering
- Right Hand Drive
- Auction house guide
- £11,000 – £15,550
Description
Highlights
- Fully nut and bolt restored to original specification in the early 90s
- Only two former registered keepers
- Rare UK example, as most were exported overseas
- Original Kent number plate included
The Appeal
Nobody quite built 'em like Bedford. While many commercials of the 50s and 60s stuck to very conservative guns, Bedford truck remained curvy and rather flamboyant, with a Chevrolet-style bonneted nose and smatterings of brightwork that added immense levels of character.
Sadly, the J Type didn't have much success on British soil—it wasn't, after all, a particularly powerful truck - but it saw plenty overseas. As a result, it was only produced in the UK until 1975.
This striking wagon is utterly loaded with character. A festive livery, a big drop-sided rear bay and characterful, hand-painted accents make this a real head-turner. It's a highly original example, having underwent restoration in the early 90s, and stands as a simply magnificent survivor.
A good commercial always puts a smile on our faces at Car & Classic, and we're confident that this example is well worth your attention.
The History and Paperwork
- Registered in 1961
- Only two former registered keepers on the logbook
- Originally started life on a fruit farm in Kent
- Passed on to a joiner who used it on a daily basis
- Purchased by the current owner and fully nut and bolt restored to original spec in the early 90s
- Since restoration, it has been dry stored by its owner and used for pleasure on occasions
- TAX exempt
- MOT exempt
- ULEZ exempt
- Sale includes the original Kent number plate
The Condition
- Restored in the early 90s - and still very nicely presented
- Hawsen coach-built body and coach-built wraves and drawbar
- Red paintwork with handsome hand sign, attributed to a signature of K.M.92
- Incredibly solid throughout with no obvious signs of corrosion or unusual wear
- Original badges and branding throughout
- Brightwork is contrasting nicely
- Rear bed and underside is clean and solid
- Spartan but practical cabin with red vinyl seats
- Seats show some discolouration and wear, but appear complete
- The rest of the cabin is clean and tidy with no faults we can discern
The Mechanics
- 3,519cc Six-cylinder petrol engine
- Manual transmission
- Engine bay looks in fine condition
- The vendor notes that it's a turnkey vehicle, and all in working order
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
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