Longer CF and cheaper-to-run HA from Bedford
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A LONGER CF light-truck chassis and a special fuel economy package for the HA 6cwt van are the latest variants to be produced by Bedford for its vehicle range.
The extra-long CF chassis has a wheelbase of 3.55m (140 in), which allows 3.6m (12 ft) long bodywork to be fitted. The chassis is rated at 1.5 tonnes (3.45 tons), which compares with the normal CF gvw of 3.38 tonnes (3.32 tons). The new specification allows an increase in body volume of up to 2.8 cu m (100cuft).
The specification has been improved in a number of respects for this chassis. Drive from the extended BRD prop-shaft is to a Salisbury series 8HA rear axle with a capacity of 2.54 tonnes (6001b). The taperleaf rear springs have two leaves compared with singleleaf units on the shorterwheelbase versions. The
metal gauge of the chassis longitudinals has also been increased.
Power units are Bedford's 2.3-litre petrol engine or the Perkins 2.5-litre diesel. Petrol engines are offered with a four or five-speed gearbox.
The designation of the new vehicle is CF 350, which denotes the metric gvw of the vehicle.
Economy package
The improved fuel economy of the Bedford HA is the result of an economy specification originally developed for the Post Office. With this specification a van has returned 17khll (48 mpg) at a steady 64 km/ h (40 mph) on two star petrol fuel (fully laden) during tests by Bedford engineers.
Modifications to the 1256 cc petrol engine, include new camshaft, side
draught carburetter, new manifold and distributor. Radial tyres are fitted as standard.
The modifications result in some loss of performance, although a top speed of 99.7 km h (62 mph) is claimed by Bedford. With the modifications installed power is 15.92kW (20.5 bhp) at 3,400rpm compared with, for the standard engine, 25.9kW (34.8 bhp) at 4,700rpm. Price of the economy package — available on 6 cwt models only — is £12.