To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The
Elkhart Collection event, 23 - 24 October 2020.
Estimate:
$60,000 - $80,000
- The rare British equivalent to the Volkswagen Camper
- Light-duty, Vauxhall-based chassis with Dormobile caravan
conversion
- Updated high-quality restoration; recently fitted with newer
radial tires
- Cute, comfortable, and convenient!
Bedford Vehicles was established in 1931 as a part of Vauxhall
Motors, itself a part of General Motors after 1925. The company
became a leading European manufacturer of light, medium, and
heavy-duty lorries. Bedford's heavy-duty truck business was
divested by GM as AWD Trucks in 1987, though the name continued in
use on light-duty commercial vehicles and car-derived vans based on
Vauxhall, Opel, Isuzu, and Suzuki designs. The name was retired in
1991.
The firm introduced the CA, its most popular light-duty vehicle, in
1952. It remained in production through 1969. The CA shared its
powertrain with the Vauxhall Victor - a simple, robust, and
easy-to-service 50-hp, 1,500-cc inline four-cylinder engine. Thanks
to its passenger car roots and versatile design, the chassis was
popular for aftermarket camper conversions. A pioneer in that field
was Martin-Walter - a centuries-old harness maker, coachbuilder,
and military vehicle manufacturer - best known for its Dormobile
caravan.
This unusual Bedford Dormobile arrived on the West Coast of the
United States via New Zealand. Finished in dark red with a
stylized, chrome-outlined flash, it is an updated older restoration
with a selection of modern fittings and fixtures. The body remains
in excellent condition with well-preserved brightwork and
good-quality paint. Original Dormobile badges decorate the fenders
and the Martin-Walker coachbuilder's plaque is affixed below the
rear doors.
Inside are modernized storage cabinets with sink, a Waeco portable
refrigerator, and portable gas camp stove. New 40-liter wastewater
tank and Zempire camping latrine are also included. Thanks to
folding seats that lay flat into beds, the little Bedford sleeps up
to four. The two-tone red and grey seating is in excellent
condition. A spare set of wheels and wheel covers, radiator, and
assorted emergency service items are included. More recent Hankook
radials are fitted.
A rare sight in America, this plucky Dormobile is packed with
vintage charm and useful modern updates. It will be a hit at car
shows and campsites alike.To view this car and others currently
consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/el20.
