Exploring With Boss: Abandoned Electric Bedford CF

Source: www.facebook.com/exploringwithboss

ebay: Barn find - Pair of Electric Bedford CF2's - UK

Item description from the seller:

"Here we have a pair of ultra rare Bedford CF2 electrically powered vans for restoration, spares etc. There was only a few hundred of these Electric vans ever made and virtually all of them will have long since disappeared. I believe both these vans started out life with Glasgow City Council, green paint can be seen under the yellow paint particularly on the roofs. The vans are rated at 3500kg gross weight each. Empty they weigh about 1500kg but with a full tray of batteries fitted they will have weighed about 2500kg allowing a payload of about 1000kg. The batteries are long gone but originally they would have had 36 6 volt batteries to make up 216 volts DC to power the motor. Each van has one motor rated at 40kW (50hp) which is mounted behind the rear axle which is connected to a transfer box which drives the axle via a short propshaft. Both vans will require extensive work to make either one or both roadworthy again. I’ll describe them separately.

C295 HHS (photos 2-12)

This is definitely the better of the two vans. Underneath it’s largely very good indeed, it’s mainly the front end of the chassis and front inner wheel arches where the main corrosion is. And obviously there’s plenty of dents which can be seen in the photos too. 

Passenger door doesn’t open. Drivers door opens but doesn’t engage with the door catch when shut. Nearside rear door top hinge is detached and bottom hinge missing off door. Windscreen recently removed as it was damaged. A good used screen with very good rubber is included in the back of the van. Roof has a dent in it towards the rear but that can easily be got out. 

No idea whether the drivetrain works with their being no batteries fitted and not tried the 12 volt system either. Mileage is 34429 so suspension bushes etc should still be good. 

C298 HHS (photos 13-23)

Like the other van the main chassis underneath is largely pretty good. However the front end is a different story and the van has suffered very heavy corrosion to the nearside of the bulkhead and A-pillar where the nearside front door bolts on. Essentially the A-pillar is detached from the main structure of the vehicle so if the door is opened it’s possible to pull the door and part of the A-pillar off the vehicle entirely. Also there’s heavy corrosion to the front end of the chassis legs in front of the front suspension cross member and inside the inner wheel arches too. Although it could all be repaired it would be a lot of work. This van does have an excellent dent free roof though. 

Drivers door doesn’t open and again nearside rear door has a detached hinge. This van does come with an original battery for posterity and a battery tray for securing the batteries under the vehicle.

Again the drivetrain is untested as is the 12 volt system but the mileage on this van is only 18317. 

Obviously both vans require a lot of work but being so rare they are of historic significance particularly being electrically powered where interest in classic electric vehicles is sure to increase in the coming years as electric vehicles start to take over from petrol/diesel fueled vehicles. 

The final photo shows the correct battery charger and also a battery autofill for topping up the batteries when the batteries are suspended under the vans. They are both included too although the stacker truck they’re on most definitely isn’t. I’ve no idea whether the charger works or not but it is single phase. That said it would need a considerably uprated supply to power it, a normal 13 amp plug would be nowhere near enough. 

Obviously with both vehicles having issues with doors staying not being able to be closed properly, particularly the rear doors it will be necessary to strap the doors shut with ratchet straps etc for safe transportation. I have plenty of straps though and can make sure they are fit to be transported. 

Sadly I can’t accommodate any viewings but I have taken lots more photos so can send those to interested parties upon request. Each van has one slow puncture but will ensure those are fully pumped up at the time of collection. Although I’m located near Huddersfield I have the vehicles in storage near Halifax and that’s where the vehicles will need to be collected from. Ideally both vehicles will need to be collected at the same time. 

The log books for both vehicles will need to be applied for. A non refundable deposit of £250 must be paid within 24 hours of auction end and then the remaining balance to be paid and vehicles collected within 7 days of auction end. Bank transfer is preferable although cash on collection would be ok too. 

There’s no buy it now price, the auction will run to the end. 

Thank you for looking and good luck if you bid."

eBay item number: 206478363039

Junkyard Sunday's

Source: www.facebook.com/groups/8601535911/posts/10164190040305912/

Fully Restored Vintage Bedford CF Ice Cream Van by Whitby Morrison – 100% Electric Power System!

"Step into the past with a modern twist! This beautifully restored vintage Bedford CF ice cream van has been fully refurbished by the experts at Whitby Morrison, combining classic charm with cutting-edge electric power. 🚛⚡
Powered by the state-of-the-art ePower system, this van can serve up to 2,000 ice cream cones on a single charge – all while generating zero emissions! That means no noise, no fumes, and a cleaner, greener future for both businesses and the environment. 🍦🌍

🔧 Key Features:
✅ Fully refurbished Bedford CF ice cream van
✅ E-Power system – zero emissions, silent operation
✅ 2000 cones per charge – perfect for busy days!
✅ Classic aesthetics with modern reliability
✅ Built by Whitby Morrison, leaders in ice cream van innovation

Whether you’re an ice cream lover, a classic vehicle enthusiast, or just interested in sustainable business solutions, this van is a true game-changer!"

Youtube link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQM2UihvvQo

History: n.º1 Bedford CF Electric Van

 

A World "First" ... Volume Produced 1 Tonne Ectric Van 24th January 1984

Auction: BEDFORD CF electric VAN - UK

Reg No. A821 ENN

Sale Day: Saturday 18th May 2024 at 9am
Viewing: Friday 17th May 2024 from 10am to 4pm
Collection: Sunday 19th May 2024 from 9am to 12noon or by appointment beyond this date
Address: Harvington Lodge, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 8HY

Lot 428:

Link: https://machinerysales.cheffins.co.uk/lot-details/index/catalog/1594/lot/682085/BEDFORD-CF-electric-VAN-1-of-6-made-in-the-1960s