Bedford OY

The Bedford OY is an army lorry (truck) 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 These vehicles were widely used during, and after, World War II but were later superseded by the Bedford RL.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 (214 cubic inches) 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 (32 gallons)
 * Range: 450 km (280 miles)
 * Maximum speed: about 65 km/h (40 mph)

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 (1.5 ton) payload. It had a semi-forward cab that resembled the 15-cwt Bedford MW.

The OXD was a general service vehicle with a 8 ft by 6 ft by 2 ft 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 (official designation "Lorry 30cwt Anti-Tank"). These were used for home defence.