# Bedford TJ

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Bedford_TJ
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Bedford_TJ.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bedford_TJ
> Source revision: 1355879542
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

Motor vehicle

Bedford TJ 1966 Bedford TJ Overview Manufacturer Bedford AWD Trucks Marshall Aerospace & Defence Group Also called AWD-Bedford TJ Production 1958–1998 Assembly UK: Dunstable UK: Cambridge Airport India: Calcutta (Hindustan Motors) Malaysia: Petaling Jaya (Champion Motors) Nigeria: Apapa (UACN) Argentina: San Martín (GM Argentina)[citation needed] Body and chassis Class Medium-duty truck Related Bedford TA Dimensions Wheelbase 101–138 in (2,565–3,505 mm)[1] Length 182–258 in (4,623–6,553 mm)[1] Width 80–90 in (2,032–2,286 mm) Height 78–86 in (1,981–2,184 mm)[1] Kerb weight 3,359–6,655 lb (1,524–3,019 kg)[2] Chronology Predecessor Bedford TD Successor Bedford KB (for J0)

**The Bedford TJ** is a [truck](/source/Truck) that was produced by [Bedford](/source/Bedford_Vehicles) and its successors from 1958 to 1998, as a replacement for the earlier [Bedford A](/source/Bedford_TA) series of medium-duty trucks that were built between 1953 and 1958. The TJ was the last bonneted truck produced by the company, and the last vehicle to be produced to have a relation with Bedford.

## History

Production of the Bedford TJ began in 1958 as [Bedford’s](/source/Bedford_Vehicles) new bonneted truck model, and was a modernised version of the Bedford TD series, modelled after the [Chevrolet Advance Design](/source/Chevrolet_Advance_Design) truck. The TJ truck was produced in many versions, ranging from light [pickups](/source/Pickup_truck) to heavy-duty vehicles, with payloads up to 6-8 tons. Unfortunately, due to their relatively dated styling and presumably since bonneted trucks were falling out of favour these years, the TJ series was not very popular in the United Kingdom and did not sell in big numbers, with the exception of the [AA](/source/The_AA) and [Post Office Telephones](/source/BT_Group). In particular, [Holland's Pies](/source/Holland's_Pies) in Lancashire used a large fleet of TJ vans well into the 1980s, being notable for being kept in very clean condition and this resulted in the TJ being often called a 'Holland's pie van' around Lancashire.[3]

The lightest versions (J0) shared the same 2,651 cc ohv I6 petrol engine as the [Vauxhall Cresta](/source/Vauxhall_Cresta), which offered relatively good performance.[4] Maximum power is 104.5 bhp Gross (78 kW) and torque is 140 lb⋅ft (190 N⋅m) at 2,400 rpm. It sold in relatively good numbers in Britain and export markets throughout the 1960s and 1970s, before being replaced by the [Bedford KB](/source/Bedford_KB) in 1976. Heavier variants used the same engine as on the [Bedford TD](/source/Bedford_TA) series. In export markets, specifically in countries such as India, Pakistan, Africa and other developing nations, the TJ sold in great numbers due to its reliability and relatively low price compared to the competition. In 1975, the TJ was withdrawn from the UK market and superseded by the [Bedford CF](/source/Bedford_CF).[5][6]

After 1975, the TJ was offered only for export where it was pretty successful, however, during the 1980s, exports to countries such as Australia and New Zealand stopped since it was clear that these trucks were very outdated, and couldn't compete in the market anymore due to changing emissions and regulations. Nevertheless, it continued production for export to developing countries. In 1987, the [Dunstable plant](/source/Bedford_Dunstable_plant) was sold to David J.B. Brown and became [AWD Trucks](/source/AWD_Trucks).[7] Production of the TJ continued under the AWD Bedford badge. After [Marshall SPV](/source/Marshall_Group) purchased AWD Trucks, production of the TJ series continued, but in limited numbers. The last TJ trucks were built in 1998, when an order was placed for 100 trucks to be exported to Kenya.[8]

### Nigeria

The Bedford TJ was assembled in Bedford's Nigerian plant in [Apapa](/source/Apapa) ([Tin Can Island](/source/Tin_Can_Island_Port)) by [UACN](/source/United_Africa_Company_of_Nigeria), a [Unilever](/source/Unilever) operation which was 60 percent Nigerian-owned.[9] By the end of the 1970s, the TJ was the most sold Bedford product in Nigeria, which was Bedford's main export market outside of Europe at the time.

### Pakistan

In Pakistan, the J5/6 is very popular and dominated commercial vehicular traffic. It has a cult status among drivers and is known for its power, reliability, and durability. Over half of the trucks in Pakistan are Bedford vehicles.[10]

### India

An Indian company, [Hindustan Motors](/source/Hindustan_Motors), also produced the larger versions (J5/6) of the vehicle in that country from 1968. Production lasted for three decades, but the vehicle proved to be unable to compete with [Tata](/source/Tata_Motors) and [Ashok Leyland](/source/Ashok_Leyland) vehicles and was finally discontinued in 1998.[11]

### Australia

The TJ was widely exported. In Australia they were distributed by [Holden](/source/Holden).

### Malaysia

Bedford TJ trucks were also produced in Malaysia from [knock-down kits](/source/Knock-down_kit) until the early 1980s. Towards the end of this period, after Bedford vehicles had lost their market lead, the TJ shared the assembly line with competing trucks from [Toyota](/source/Toyota).[12] As the design aged, Bedford's reputation shrank, the [British pound](/source/Pound_sterling) went up, while Britain itself lost much of its standing in Malaysia.[12] GM instead chose to focus more on promoting trucks from corporate stablemate [Isuzu](/source/Isuzu) in that market. The TJ trucks were replaced by the [Isuzu TX](/source/Isuzu_TX).

## Models

- J0 (often referred to as JO)

- J1

- J2

- J3

- J4

- J5

- J6

## Chassis codes

### 1958 To June 1967

- J1 30cwt.

- J2S 3ton.

- J2L 3ton. (GVM - 5ton)

- J2LC 3ton (GVM - 4.5ton)

- J3L 4ton.

- J4L 5ton.

- J4E 5ton.

- J4A 8ton tractor.

- J5S 6ton.

- J5L 6ton.

- J6S 7ton.

- J6L 7ton.

A 3rd or 4th number indicates engine type;

- 1 = 300cu. in Diesel

- 2 = 214cu. in Petrol

- 3 = 300cu. in Petrol

- 5 = 330cu. in Diesel

- 7 = 200cu. in Diesel

- 10 =220cu. in Diesel

### July 1967 onwards

Chassis codes changed in July 1967 to ensure Bedford complied with new legislation introduced in the UK (Construction and Use Regulations).

- CDD/CHD 30cwt.

- CDJ/CHJ 3ton.

- CDL/CHL 4ton.

- CFM/CJM 5ton.

- CFN/CJN 6ton.

- CFQ/CJQ 7 ton.

The 3rd letter is for the weight rating, while the 2nd letter indicates engine type;

- D = 214cu. in Petrol

- F = 300cu. in Petrol

- H = 220cu. in Diesel

- J = 330cu. in Diesel

## Engines

The engines available included:

Available engines (outputs are gross numbers) Displacement Bore x Stroke Cylinders Power/rpm Torque/rpm Fuel 214.7 cu in (3,519 cc) 3.375 in × 4.00 in (85.7 mm × 101.6 mm) Inline-six 100 bhp (75 kW) at 3,600 184 lb⋅ft (249 N⋅m) at 1,200 Petrol 300.7 cu in (4,927 cc) 3.875 in × 4.25 in (98.4 mm × 108.0 mm) 133 bhp (99 kW) at 3,000 267 lb⋅ft (362 N⋅m) at 1,200 200.5 cu in (3,285 cc) 3.875 in × 4.25 in (98.4 mm × 108.0 mm) Inline-four 64 bhp (48 kW) at 2,800[note 1] 143 lb⋅ft (194 N⋅m) at 1,400[note 1] Diesel 220.5 cu in (3,614 cc) 4.0625 in × 4.25 in (103.2 mm × 108.0 mm) 70 bhp (52 kW) at 2,800 157 lb⋅ft (213 N⋅m) at 1,400 300.7 cu in (4,927 cc) 3.875 in × 4.25 in (98.4 mm × 108.0 mm) Inline-six 97 bhp (72 kW) at 2,800 217 lb⋅ft (294 N⋅m) at 1,400 330.7 cu in (5,420 cc) 4.0625 in × 4.25 in (103.2 mm × 108.0 mm) 107 bhp (80 kW) at 2,800 238 lb⋅ft (323 N⋅m) at 1,800 ^ a b Net figures are 57 bhp (43 kW) at 2,600 rpm and 139 lb⋅ft (188 N⋅m) at 1,400 rpm.

## Gallery

		- Bedford J5 [box truck](/source/Box_truck)

		- 1968 Bedford J1

		- The Bedford TJ trucks were also converted into buses; here in [Cyprus](/source/Cyprus)

		- AWD Bedford TJ truck in [Bangladesh](/source/Bangladesh)

		- Bedford TJ fuel tanker in Bangladesh.

		- Bedford TJ truck belonging to the [Dhaka Metropolitan Police](/source/Dhaka_Metropolitan_Police).

		- Bedford TJ with [walk-through van](/source/Multi-stop_truck) body

## See also

- [Customised buses and trucks in Pakistan](/source/Customised_buses_and_trucks_in_Pakistan)

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-J0broch_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-J0broch_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-J0broch_1-2) [*Bedford JO (1960)*](https://ccmv.aecsouthall.co.uk/p30952133/h22a7ccad#h25abcff6) (brochure), Luton, England: Vauxhall Motors Ltd., August 1959, pp. 4–5, retrieved 20 February 2026 – via CCMV Classic Commercial Motor Vehicles

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Bedford Commercial Vehicle Range"](https://wikibus.blob.core.windows.net/sources51/Bedford%20Commercial%20Vehicle%20Range.pdf) (PDF). Luton, England: Vauxhall Motors Ltd. 1973.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["The Bedford Register-the worlds largest owners club & registry"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070202113213/http://www.bedford-world.com/bedfordregister.htm). Archived from the original on 2 February 2007. Retrieved 9 January 2007.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-J0auction_4-0)** ["Lot 191 - 1961 Bedford J.O. Pick-Up"](https://www.historics.co.uk/buying/auctions/2018-05-19/cars/ref-95-1961-bedford-jo-pick-up/). *Historics UK*. Retrieved 31 March 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Bedford 97000 - CF & CF2"](http://vauxpedianet.uk2sitebuilder.com/bedford-97000---cf-cf2).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-CB17_6-0)** Birch, Colin (28 June 2017). ["(Very) Brief History of the Bedford CF"](https://web.archive.org/web/20231203145118/https://bedford-cf.co.uk/history.htm). *CF-UK*. Archived from [the original](https://bedford-cf.co.uk/history.htm) on 3 December 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Civvies_7-0)** Clarke, Nicky, ed. (22 October 1992). ["AWD Survival In Civvies?"](https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/22nd-october-1992/19/awd-survival-in-civvies). *[Commercial Motor](/source/Commercial_Motor)*. p. 17.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-[95]_8-0)** ["1966 BEDFORD J-TYPE TRUCK"](https://www.carandclassic.com/auctions/1966-bedford-j-type-truck-K8W338). *Cars And Classics*. Retrieved 4 March 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-CM79a_9-0)** Godwin, Bill (11 May 1979). ["Leyland sets hot pace in Nigeria"](https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/11th-may-1979/89/leyland-sets-ho-pace-in-nigeria). *Commercial Motor*. Vol. 149, no. 3807. p. 88.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Bedford J5 'Jingle Truck'"](https://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_1322414-Bedford-J5.html). Retrieved 27 July 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-RB23_11-0)** Baron, Rich (3 June 2023). ["Curbside Classic: 1970 Bedford TJ – Advanced Past Its Prime"](https://www.curbsideclassic.com/uncategorized/curbside-classic-bedford-tj-advanced-past-its-prime/). *Curbside Classic*.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-CM82_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-CM82_12-1) Millier, Noel (22 May 1982). ["Malaysian malaise for once-proud Bedford"](https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/22nd-may-1982/73/malaysian-malaise-for-once-proud-bedford). *Commercial Motor*. Vol. 155, no. 3966. p. 83.

## External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Bedford TJ](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Bedford_TJ).

- [Enthusiast site](https://web.archive.org/web/20060822003635/http://www.duncanmargetts.com/blog/?page_id=820)

- [Bedford Trucks in Portugal (in Portuguese)](https://bedfordportugal.blogspot.pt/)

v t e Bedford Vehicles subsidiary of Vauxhall Motors Cars and leisure vehicles Beagle Dormobile Vans HC CA CF HA Midi Rascal Chevanne Lorries M series S type TA TJ TK TL TM Buses JJL OB SB VAL VAM VAS Y series Military vehicles MW OY OXA OXD QL RL

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Bedford TJ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bedford_TJ) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bedford_TJ?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.