Description

1931 Bedford WHB 14 Seater Bus

Direct from Vauxhall Motors Heritage Collection, the first bus body onBedford's new special passenger chassis, just two-owners from new, coachwork by Waveney, in service until 1964, modest proportions, older restoration in need of light recommissioning.

In 1925, General Motors took over the successful Vauxhall concern to spearhead growth in the UK and Europe.  By April 1931, a range of commercials had been added to the range which were marketed under the Bedford brand.

For the first time, a rolling chassis specifically designed for bus coachwork was included - the WHB.  This example was indeed the first production chassis - 100001 and can therefore be considered the first Bedford Bus.

The WHB chassis was sold to the Arlington Motor Company of Potters Bar who sent it to Waveney Ltd in Norfolk for coachwork.  First registered on 26th August 1931, it was to remain in service until 1964 - a period of 33 years - they certainly had their moneys worth.

Several period pictures on file show the bus in service, the vehicle entering Vauxhall's Heritage Collection in 1999, direct from the Arlington Motor Company, making this a genuine two-owner vehicle from new - and one of those is the original manufacturer!

The paperwork file includes 13 old MOT's, the most recent of which dates from 2008 which is when it last appears to have been taxed.  There is an old style V5 and a current V5C.

We don't know when it last ran, so it will certainly need a careful recommissioning at the very least before use.  It has clearly been the subject of an older, quality restoration and retains a huge amount of originality down to the clever bi-fold door, working bell and excellent upholstery on the seats which have sprung seat backs.

This is a unique opportunity to acquire the first production Bedford WHB, with a super history, just two owners and in extremely presentable condition.