{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}} {{Use British English|date=February 2017}} {{Infobox automobile |name = Bedford HA |image = Bedford HA light van 1256cc first registered January 1981.JPG |caption=1981 Bedford HA |manufacturer = [[Bedford Vehicles|Bedford]] ([[Vauxhall Motors]]) |aka = Bedford Handi-Van (Australia) |production = 1964–1983 |assembly = [[Luton]], [[Bedfordshire]], UK |predecessor = [[Bedford HC]] |successor = [[Vauxhall Astra#MkI|Bedford Astra Van]]<br>[[Opel Combo|Bedford/Vauxhall Astramax]] |class = [[Light commercial vehicle]] |body_style = [[panel van|Car derived van]] |layout = [[longitudinal engine|Longitudinal]] front engine, [[rear-wheel drive]] |platform = |engine = {{ubl | 1,057 cc [[Overhead valve engine|OHV]] [[Straight-four engine|I4]] | 1,159 cc OHV I4 | 1,256 cc OHV I4 }} |transmission = 4-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]] |wheelbase = {{convert|91.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} |length = {{convert|150.2|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} |width = {{convert|59.4|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} |height = {{convert|59.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} |weight = {{ubl | {{convert|1540|-|1575|lb|kg|abbr=on}} (1965) | {{convert|749|-|774|kg|lb|abbr=on|disp=flip}} (1977)<ref name=HA77>{{citation | ref = HA77 | title = Bedford HA range | type = brochure | publisher = Bedford Commercial Vehicles, Vauxhall Motors Limited | location = Luton, England | id = B/BX 1735/5/77 | date = May 1977 | pages = 5–6 }}</ref> }} |related = {{ubl | [[Vauxhall Viva#HA|Vauxhall Viva (HA)]] | [[Bedford Beagle]] | [[#BTV|General Motors BTV]] }} |designer = |sp = uk }} The '''Bedford HA''' was a [[Panel van|car derived van]] introduced in August 1964 by [[Bedford Vehicles|Bedford]], based on the [[Vauxhall Viva#HA|Vauxhall Viva (HA)]] family car.<ref name=Enter>{{cite magazine | url = https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/21st-august-1964/48/bedford-enter-ligh-an-market | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171214003459/http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/21st-august-1964/48/bedford-enter-ligh-an-market | archive-date = 2017-12-14 | ref = CM3079 | title = Bedford enter light van market | magazine = [[Commercial Motor|The Commercial Motor]] | editor-first = A.J.P. | editor-last = Wilding | page = 44 | volume = 120 | number = 3079 | date = 1964-08-21 }}</ref> It was also known as the [[Bedford Beagle]] in [[Station wagon|estate]] form and '''Bedford Roma''' in small [[campervan]] form. The Beagle was an officially sanctioned conversion based on the 8 cwt van, carried out by [[Martin Walter of Folkestone]], Kent.{{sfn| Olyslager | 1965 |p=3 }} The Beagle received rear side windows and a fold-down rear seat; leaving {{convert|28|in|mm|abbr=out}} of luggage space with the seat in use.<ref name=Oly4>{{harvnb|Olyslager |1965|p= 4}}</ref> __TOC__ {{clear_left}}
==History== [[File:1981 Bedford HA 110 Van (British Telecom).jpg|thumb|left|1981 British Telecom Bedford HA]] The Bedford HA was extremely popular with utility companies in the United Kingdom, particularly the [[Royal Mail]], [[British Rail]],<ref name=telegraph-20210212/> [[British Electricity Authority#Area boards|electricity board]]s, the [[General Post Office|GPO]] (later [[British Telecom]] (BT)), and [[British Gas]]. Many other firms such as [[British European Airways]] and [[Meals on Wheels]] services had large fleets as well. It was the inspiration for [[Postman Pat]]'s original van.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}} It was originally available in 6 cwt and heavier duty 8 cwt models (payloads of {{convert|6|or|8|long cwt|lb kg|disp=out}}), with the chassis codes HAE and HAV respectively. Gross vehicle weights were {{convert|2400|and|2615|lb|kg|round=5|abbr=on}} respectively.{{sfn| Olyslager | 1965 |p=3 }} The 8 cwt had a heavier rear axle, bigger tyres, and a sixth leaf in the rear springs.<ref>{{citation | ref = HA71 | title = What's a Bedford HA van got... | type = brochure | publisher = Vauxhall Motors Limited | location = Luton, England | id = B 1336/1/71 | date = January 1971 | pages = 6, 14 }}</ref> The 8 cwt was generally better equipped, offering a number of chromed trim parts (bumpers, mirrors, etcetera) and slightly plusher interior fittings.<ref name=Oly4/> By 1971 the 6 cwt had been downgraded further yet, and now only came with a driver's seat as standard. A fold-down rear seat was available as an option.<ref>''[[#HA71|What has a Bedford HA van got...]]'', p. 4</ref>
[[File:1968 Bedford Roma Mark I Deluxe (Dormobile), front left side (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|1968 Bedford Roma Mark I Deluxe]] The Bedford Roma, a three berth campervan with a cloth extending roof, was produced from October 1967 until 1973.<ref name=telegraph-20230623>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/classic/uks-rarest-cars-1968-bedford-ha-roma-one-of-only-18-left/ | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231203173648/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/classic/uks-rarest-cars-1982-bedford-ha-110-public-utility-one-six-left/ | archive-date = 2023-12-03 | title=UK's rarest cars: 1968 Bedford HA Roma, one of only 18 left on British roads |first=Andrew B. |last=Roberts |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |url-access=limited |date=23 June 2023 |access-date=23 June 2023}}</ref>
By the late seventies, the denominations had been changed to HA 110 and HA 130 respectively, with payload ratings of {{convert|371|and|546|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>''[[#HA77|Bedford HA range (1977)]]'', p. 2</ref> In September 1964, for the 1965 model year, the Viva and HA Van received minor changes such as a quicker steering rack, new door trim, and a modified choke control.<ref name=Oly5>{{harvnb|Olyslager |1965|p= 5}}</ref> In Australia, the Bedford HA was sold as the "Bedford Handi-Van" from 1964 until 1970.
Production ended in September 1983, with 689,512 produced.<ref name=telegraph-20210212>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/classic/uks-rarest-cars-1982-bedford-ha-110-public-utility-one-six-left/ |title=UK's rarest cars: 1982 Bedford HA 110 'public utility', one of only six left on British roads |first=Andrew B |last=Roberts |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |url-access=limited |date=12 February 2021 |access-date=23 June 2023}}</ref> It was replaced by a low-cost, "fleet" version of the [[Vauxhall Astra#MkI|Bedford Astra Van]].<ref name=TB83>{{cite magazine | magazine = Commercial Motor | url = http://vauxpedianet.uk2sitebuilder.com/vauxhall-t80---astra-mk1-a | first = Tim | last = Blakemore | title = Astra aimed down market | page = | date = 13 September 1983 | via = Vauxpedia }}</ref>
==Engines== The early {{convert|1057|cc|cid|abbr=on}} version had a lower compression ratio than the Viva saloon (7.3:1 rather than the usual 8.5:1), producing {{convert|47.8|hp|kW|abbr=on}} gross, or {{convert|40.3|hp|kW|abbr=on}} net, both at 5,200 rpm.<ref>[[#CITEREFOlyslager1965|Olyslager]], p. 7</ref> In 1967, the HA received the engine of the changed Viva. This {{convert|1159|cc|cid|abbr=on}} was essentially the same as the earlier powerplant; although net power was down to a claimed {{convert|32.2|hp|kW|abbr=on}} at 4,600 rpm. It ran on the lowest rated fuel and was fitted with a {{convert|17|mm|in|abbr=on}}-bore [[carburettor]] for even higher fuel mileage.<ref>''[[#HA71|What has a Bedford HA van got...]]'', pp. 3, 14</ref> The later models powered by the 1,256 cc engine offered {{convert|48|hp|kW|abbr=on}} gross at 5,400 rpm, or {{convert|39|hp|kW|abbr=on}} net at 4,600 rpm.<ref name=cwtrange>{{citation | title = Bedford: 6cwt–22cwt range | url = http://resolver.kb.nl/resolve?urn=urn:gvn:NCAD01:1000522&role=pdf | publisher = Commercial vehicle sales, Vauxhall Motors Ltd. | location = Luton, UK | id = B1396/2/1972 | page = 8 | ref = cwt | year = 1972 }}</ref> By 1977 only net horsepower ratings were offered, with power up to {{convert|31.7|kW|bhp|abbr=on}} at 4,800 rpm. As for all three generations of HAs, the compression ratio remained 7.3 to 1. For the lighter duty HA 110 there was also an 'Economy' version, with a [[Carburetor#Operation|CD carburettor]] (constant depression), a redesigned manifold, and a different camshaft. This version offered up to 30% lower fuel consumption, although power did drop to {{convert|24.4|bhp|kW|0|disp=flip|abbr=on}} at 3,800 rpm.<ref name=HA77/>
[[File:Bedford ha pick up.jpg|thumb|left|1978 Walker Bodies Bedford HA pick up]] The HA continued on in production for nearly twenty years, until 1983. It was first supplanted by the short lived [[Vauxhall Chevette]]-based [[Bedford Chevanne]] 1976; the Chevanne was in turn replaced by the Opel-based [[Opel Astra|Bedford Astravan]] / [[Bedford Astramax]] in September 1982. The HA continued to be available for another year as a simple, low-cost alternative with maximum interior space.<ref name=scatter>{{cite magazine | url = https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/23rd-october-1982/53/lightweights-scatter-but-talbot-lives-on | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210826103324/http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/23rd-october-1982/53/lightweights-scatter-but-talbot-lives-on | archive-date = 2021-08-26 | ref = CM3987 | title = Lightweights scatter but Talbot lives on | magazine = [[Commercial Motor]] | first1 = Bill | last1 = Brock | first2 = Tim | last2 = Blakemore | pages = 83-84 | volume = 156 | number = 3987 | date = 1982-10-23 }}</ref> Despite the fact that the Vauxhall Viva upon which it was based had gone through two further model generations, the bodywork of the HA van stayed the same until its eventual discontinuation in 1983, although it did receive some of the technical upgrades from the newer HB and HC Vivas. The {{convert|1159|cc|cid|abbr=on}} engine arrived in 1967, followed by a {{convert|1256|cc|cid|abbr=on}} in 1972. A [[pickup truck|pickup]] was also made by Martin Walter (Dormobile) - who also made the Beagle conversion - and by [[Walker Bodies]] of Watford. Made in very small numbers (believed to be around 60 in total) only a handful of these survive today: they were originally sold to companies and private buyers directly through Vauxhall/Bedford dealerships. {{clear-left}} {{anchor|BTV|Amigo|Andino|Harimau|Mitaí|Morina}}
==The BTV== [[File:Gm amigo 1.JPG|thumb|right|GM Amigo in Costa Rica]] [[File:1972 GM Amigo - Portugal, by Freggs.jpg|thumb|right|A GM Amigo in Portugal]] In the early 1970s there were a number of [[basic utility vehicle]]s developed for the developing world. [[Volkswagen]] ([[Volkswagen EA489 Basistransporter|EA489]]), [[Citroën]] ([[Citroën FAF|FAF]]), and many others including General Motors tried to create cheap and basic transport which could be manufactured locally with a minimal up-front investment. GM's effort was developed by General Motors Overseas Operations (GMOO) and was called the "Basic Transportation Vehicle" (BTV).<ref name=GMHer>{{cite web | title = 1974 Basic Transportation Vehicle | url = https://history.gmheritagecenter.com/wiki/index.php/1974_Basic_Transportation_Vehicle | publisher = General Motors | work = GM Heritage Center | first = Bill | last = Bowman | accessdate = 2014-09-25 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170730021622/https://history.gmheritagecenter.com/wiki/index.php/1974_Basic_Transportation_Vehicle | archive-date = 30 July 2017 |url-status = dead}}</ref> It was marketed under a variety of names depending on where it was built.<ref name=VauxBTV>{{cite web | title = Bedford HA - BTV (Basic Transport Vehicle) | url = http://vauxpedianet.uk2sitebuilder.com/bedford-ha---btv-basic-transport-vehicle | publisher = Vauxpedia | accessdate = 2014-09-25 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141225132324/http://vauxpedianet.uk2sitebuilder.com/bedford-ha---btv-basic-transport-vehicle | archive-date = 25 December 2014 |url-status = dead| df = dmy-all }}</ref> The little truck has a simple body made up entirely of flat surfaces placed atop a basic frame, while most mechanicals and what interior there was derived from the HA. It also uses the HA's 1,256 cc low-compression engine, here with {{convert|37|hp|kW|abbr=on}}, which together with some of the other more complex elements was sent from Vauxhall's Luton plant. The BTV was at one time or another manufactured in [[Malaysia]] (as the '''Bedford Harimau''', this was the first iteration to be manufactured, from May 1972<ref name=GMHer/>), [[Costa Rica]] (Amigo), [[Ecuador]] (Andino), [[El Salvador]] (Cherito), [[Guatemala]] (Chato), [[Nicaragua]] (Pinolero, by INDEVESA, S.A.), [[Paraguay]] (GM Mitaí), the [[Philippines]] (Amigo or Tiger), [[Portugal]] (Amigo), [[Honduras]] ([[El Compadre (car)|Compadre]]), and in [[Suriname]] as the Moetete 1200/1300.<ref name=VauxBTV/> It was also available in Indonesia in 1977 and 1978, with slightly different bodywork, as the '''Morina''' (without a company name). While Vauxhalls were unusual in Indonesia, the Morina's engine had been used in the [[Holden Torana]] (LJ and TA series), which was popular as a taxi in Jakarta.<ref name=morina1>{{cite web | title = Morina harga hanya Rp1.250.000,- | trans-title = Morina, only 1,250,000 rupiah | url = http://pictomotif.blogspot.com/2016/02/morina-harganya-hanya-rp1250000.html | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20171231080128/http://pictomotif.blogspot.com/2016/02/morina-harganya-hanya-rp1250000.html | language = id | date = February 2016 | archivedate = 2017-12-31 | work = Pictomotif | last = Warsito | first = Edi }}</ref> The Morina was built by General Motors' local subsidiary P.T. Garuda Diesel, and power was claimed to be {{convert|58.5|hp|kW|abbr=on}} SAE. "Morina" is an [[acronym]] of ''MO''bil ''R''akyat ''IN''donesi''A'' ("Indonesian People's Car").
The Ecuadorean Andino entered production in 1973 and continued until 1976.<ref>{{cite journal | title = El primer Andino aún sigue rodando |trans-title=The first Andino is still on its wheels | url = http://www.lahora.com.ec/index.php/noticias/show/1101272318/-1/El_primer_Andino_a%C3%BAn_sigue_rodando.html#.VCRkobxdW0w | language = Spanish | journal = La Hora Nacional | date = 2012-01-24 | first = Jean Pierre | last = Michelet | location = Quito, Ecuador | accessdate = 2014-09-25 }}</ref> The Paraguayan Mitaí had its own bodywork which fully enveloped the front wheels, and was only available in red, white, or blue - the colours of their flag. Production was also planned for Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and certain other countries. Some sources state that no more than 3,000 BTVs were built across the world.<ref name=GM2000>{{cite book | title = General Motors in the Twentieth Century | editor1-last = Binder | editor1-first = Alan K. | editor2-last = Ferris | editor2-first = Deebe | date = 2000 | publisher = Ward's Communications | isbn = 0-910589-52-6 | location = Southfield, MI | page = 131 | ref = GM20th }}</ref>
GM Philippines soon developed a more car-like version of the BTV with a four-door station wagon body (mainly used as a taxi) called the GM Harabas.<ref name=lumang1>{{cite web | url = https://www.lumangoto.com/harabas/ | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210116204404/https://www.lumangoto.com/harabas/ | archive-date = 2021-01-16 | work = Lumang Oto | title = The forgotten father of the AUV – Harabas }}</ref> General Motors also built another basic vehicle using the Vauxhall engine in the 1970s, the [[South Africa]]n [[Chevrolet Nomad]].
==References== {{reflist}}
*{{cite book | title = Vauxhall Viva | series = Motor Manuals no. 66 | last = Olyslager | first = Piet | location = London, UK | publisher = Sunday Times Publications/Olyslager Organisation N.V. | date = 1965 }}
==External links== *{{Commons category-inline|Bedford HA}}
{{Bedford vehicles}} {{Vauxhall timeline 1945 to 1979}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bedford Ha}} [[Category:Bedford vehicles|HA]] [[Category:Cars introduced in 1964]] [[Category:Cars discontinued in 1983]]