1942 Bedford QLR

Description

Extremely rare WW2 4x4 signals truck; one of only around six known to survive in roadworthy order; well-known on the military show circuit; a veteran of several D-Day Commemoration events and ready to attend the 80th Anniversary event in Normandy in 2024; driven to the sale

One of the iconic British vehicles of the Second World War, the Bedford QL entered service in 1941 to re-equip the Army from the large losses suffered at Dunkirk. A successor to the OY Series, the QL 3-ton 4x4 general service truck was Bedford’s first vehicle designed specifically for military use and pioneered the compact ‘cab over engine’ layout that was to become so popular with later generations of trucks.

Several variants were produced, all sharing a common chassis and transmission layout, and included:

QLD – general purpose cargo truck; 3-ton payload; flat bed with fixed steel sides and canvas tilt
QLB – artillery tractor with crew accommodation and ammunition stowage
QLC – aircraft refuelling tender
QLT – troop carrier with extended body, rows of seats and canvas tilt
QLR – wireless and command vehicle with an enclosed rear body; special electrical equipment; roof hatch; 660w auxiliary generator driven by the transfer case power take-off; 28-gallon fuel tank; additional lockers and racks beneath the body for aerials, transmitters, cables, batteries, jerry cans, tyre chains etc.

Power came from a 3,500cc six-cylinder petrol engine based on the Chevrolet ‘Iron Wonder’. Producing 72bhp and bags of torque, it gave the QL a top speed of 55mph. Transmission was by four forward gears with low range transfer box which also selected four-wheel drive. Around 52,000 of all types were built in total.

This particular QLR signals truck carries the insignia of 1^st Battalion Welsh Guards. She was built in 1942 and remained in service until 1974, seeing post-war use as an Army recruitment caravan when she was painted blue and white and was stripped of her generator and most of her wireless equipment. She regained her original green/black camouflage livery in the late 1990s.

Our vendor acquired the truck in 2012 and has carried out some sympathetic restoration, including repairs to the ash frame of the rear body section and replacement of the internal panelling and the floor boards with insulation added. The windows have been repaired with new felt slides and refurbishment of the rainwater catchment troughs and drains. The rear and side doors have been completely remade to the original pattern with new ash frames and refurbished latches. The interior has been kitted out as a field kitchen, including a gas hob and fridge to keep fellow military enthusiasts refreshed during shows and reenactments.

The front seats have new cushions and canvas covers and the canvas radiator muff and mud flaps are also new. There are also new canvas boots for the gear levers, handbrake and steering column but these have yet to be fitted. The dashboard has been refurbished with new switchgear and wiring throughout. A reversing camera has also been discreetly fitted with a monitor above the windscreen inside the cab. All the exterior lights have been been refurbished and hazard lights incorporated.

On the mechanical side, the engine has had a top end overhaul with the head skimmed, the valves ground and the manifold machined. The bottom end has had new sump and crankshaft gaskets. The carburettor has been rebuilt and the cooling system overhauled with wiring for an electric cooling fan which has not yet been required or fitted. A new heavy duty alternator has been installed in place of the dynamo and an electronic distributor has been fitted. The exhaust system has also been replaced with a new downpipe, silencer and stainless steel tail pipe.

The transmission has been overhauled with new oil seals, greasing nipples and universal joints as required. The brake system has been fully overhauled with many new parts including the servo and master cylinder. All wheel bearings and seals have been overhauled or renewed as required.

Always in regular use in the current 11-year ownership, she was driven some 15 miles to the sale, the vendor reporting that she bowls along happily at 45mph with a surprisingly comfortable ride. She also comes with an original maintenance manual and driver’s handbook plus notes of all the works carried out to date. A useful quantity of spares are also included, as itemised in a list on file.

Believed to be one of only six QLRs surviving in roadworthy condition, she is well-known on the military show circuit and has already attended several D-Day Commemoration events in Normandy. With the 80^th Anniversary of D-Day coming up in June 2024, this rare QLR is ready to cross the Channel once more and will connect the fortunate new owner to a thriving social scene in the company of fellow reenactors.

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com