The Bedford CF was a range of full size commercial vans produced by Bedford, the commercial division of Vauxhall, between 1969 and 1986, when it represented the last vehicle produced solely by Vauxhall. It was a very versatile model – a competitor to the Ford Transit – and was adapted widely due to its space and reliability. It was a particular favourite when configured as an ambulance with conversions being undertaken by specialised coach builders, including the Irish company Hanlon. Such ambulances had coachbuilt bodies to accommodate the necessary headroom and interior capacity for patients and equipment.
The Oxford Diecast Bedford CF Hanlon Ambulance is registered B575 LKA, the year in which the CF featured modernised engines and transmission options. Our 1:76 scale replica is based on the vehicle used by the Merseyside Metropolitan Ambulance Service and appears in white with the red Day-Glo stripe running round the sides and across the rear doors. Black printing on the cab doors indicates the ambulance served Stockport and further exterior trim is finished in black or chrome while additional detail to the front radiator grille sees two blue lights between the chrome headlights. The roof also has an air horn/siren painted red and two blue roof beacons. The side and rear windows have a blacked out effect surrounded by chrome. And - on this model - note the single wheels on the rear chassis.
