1964 BEDFORD J2 FIRE ENGINE

This 1964 Bedford J2 Fire Engine is a charming classic service vehicle, presented in good order following extensive refurbishment and accompanied by documentation of its long and storied history. It is powered by a 3.5-litre six-cylinder engine, which is coupled to a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer displays 12,791 miles, which the seller believes to be accurate.

First registered in April 1964, this Bedford J2 fire appliance served in Lynton, Devon from 1964 until the early 1970s. By the early 1980s, it had been sold to Exeter University for use in a project, but was passed on shortly afterwards to its next keeper, who carried out various restoration works.

The vehicle was then sold to Allhallows School, Devon, where it served as the estate fire appliance, with the older pupils being trained in its use, and was subsequently sold at auction in 1999. Rediscovered in 2009, it was then purchased by a former member of the Allhallows fire service, who refurbished the vehicle before selling it to the current owner approximately one year ago.

Today, this fire engine’s wooden coach-built frame and aluminium bodywork are in good shape, and have been sympathetically restored to retain as much of the vehicle’s original charm as possible. Signage on its flanks hint at its history and original ’11-9’ call number, and all of its correct accessories are in place, including the set of wooden ladders on its roof, its pump and hose reel and a portable fire extinguisher, which is mounted on the tail.

All of its windows also appear to be in good order, with no noticeable chips or cracks, and the light lenses also present well. This classic fire engine rides on a set of 16-inch steel wheels, which are in sound condition, but do features marks and blemishes on their red painted surfaces. 

Inside, the cabin has been described by the seller as being in fair condition, and features a charming patina throughout, with various scuffs, scratches, marks and blemishes, in line with the vehicle’s 57-year history.

While the driver’s seat appears to be sturdy and functional, its black vinyl upholstery is somewhat tatty, and a tear in the folding rear bench has been taped back together. All of the vehicle’s switches, controls and electrical items are believed to work without fault.

Described by the vendor as running and driving well, this J2 has recently been fitted with a new set of spark plugs, and it is believed to have been recently serviced and fitted with a new head gasket, clutch and exhaust system during the previous ownership; however, there is no documentation of this.

While there are no records of its past MOT tests, the vehicle is exempt based on its age, and is suitable for use on the road provided it is kept in roadworthy condition. The seller states that all four tyres have a good amount of usable tread remaining, but that there are some slight cracks on their sidewalls, which may prompt their replacement in due course.

This Bedford J2 will be accompanied by four separate service training manuals for the engine, clutch, gearbox, steering and axles and electrics. The seller is also supplying all of the equipment and spare parts contained within the vehicle, including its mobile pump, hose and ladders, plus two full uniforms and extensive documentation of this Bedford’s history.

A unique service vehicle from a bygone era, this Bedford J2 fire engine is a charming slice of British industrial history, and is sure to bring smiles to the faces of young and old onlookers alike. Ideal for display at classic vehicle shows, it could also easily be put into action as a prop for film and television, or simply used as a fun weekend driver.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.