Bedford OY


The Bedford OY is an army lorry built by Bedford for the British Armed Forces and introduced in 1939. It was based on Bedford's O-series commercial vehicles with a modified front end and single rear tyres. It was designed for a 3-ton payload. The OYD was a general service vehicle, while the OYC was a tanker version for carrying water or petrol. These vehicles were widely used during, and after, World War II but were later superseded by the Bedford RL.

Technical data

  • Engine: Bedford 6-cylinder, type WD, 3,519 cc displacement, liquid cooled
  • Horsepower: 72 at 3,000 rpm
  • Transmission: 4-speed manual
  • Transfer box: None
  • Electrical system: 12 volt
  • Brakes: Hydraulic with vacuum servo assistance
  • Tyres: 10.50 - 16
  • Fuel type: Petrol
  • Fuel capacity: 145 litres
  • Range: 450 km
  • Maximum speed: about 65 km/h

    Variants

  • OYD - general service
  • OYC - tanker
Derived non-military vehicles using OY and OX chassis
  • OWS - 5-ton short wheelbase
  • OWL - 5-ton long wheelbase
  • OWB - 32 seat bus

    Bedford OX

The OX was a short-wheelbase version of the OY, designed for a 30 cwt payload. It had a semi-forward cab that resembled the 15-cwt Bedford MW.
The OXD was a general service vehicle with a by by tall body, while the OXC was designed, in association with Scammell, for use with a semi-trailer.
In the early part of the war, the addition of an armoured body to the OXD gave the Bedford OXA. These were used for home defence.