The Bedford OY is an army lorry (truck) built by Bedford for the British Armed Forces and introduced in 1939. It was based on Bedford's O-series commercial vehicles with a modified front end and single rear tyres. It was designed for a 3-ton payload. The OYD was a general service vehicle, while the OYC was a tanker version for carrying water or petrol. These vehicles were widely used during, and after, World War II but were later superseded by the Bedford RL.
Technical data
Engine: Bedford 6-cylinder, type WD, 3,519 cc (214 cubic inches) displacement, liquid cooled Horsepower: 72 at 3,000 rpm Transmission: 4-speed manual Transfer box: None Electrical system: 12 volt Brakes: Hydraulic with vacuum servo assistance Tyres: 10.50 - 16 Fuel type: Petrol Fuel capacity: 145 litres (32 gallons) Range: 450 km (280 miles) Maximum speed: about 65 km/h (40 mph)
Variants
OYD - general service
OYC - tanker
Derived non-military vehicles using OY and OX chassis
OWS - 5-ton short wheelbase
OWL - 5-ton long wheelbase
OWB - 32 seat bus
Bedford OX
The OX was a short-wheelbase version of the OY, designed for a 30 cwt (1.5 ton) payload. It had a semi-forward cab that resembled the 15-cwt Bedford MW.
The OXD was a general service vehicle with a by by tall body, while the OXC was designed, in association with Scammell, for use with a semi-trailer.
In the early part of the war, the addition of an armoured body to the OXD gave the Bedford OXA (official designation "Lorry 30cwt Anti-Tank"). These were used for home defence.