Brace yourself lads, says Biglorryblog...it's a 'gasp' BEDFORD! "Howdy Brian", says BLB regular Ed Burrows. "How about 'Shapes of the future...that never came?' As the clock ticks towards your design competition closing date, I thought you'd appreciate some concepts I just happen to have in my possession from 1982-83."
Ed continues: "They are the work of the late Geoff Lawson, leading light at the GM Vauxhall/Bedford studios in Luton at the time - and, later, Jaguar's design chief. More than a quarter of a century on, they certainly hold up well against some of the me-too designs on BigLorryblog recently." And how true that comment is Ed because I reckon they're not only terrific they're timeless too!
"And how about the curtain-sider...under-body aerodynamics! Formula One downforce for enhanced trailer stability and managing airflow properly! The stuff out there at the moment appears oblivious to the fact that air goes under as well as over and round the sides of a tractor and trailer. I have to confess to sowing the seeds of this particular idea, over after-dinner drinks!" says Ed.Now click through here for more Bedfords of the future!
Geoff was obviously a dab hand at coming up with a concept design for any commercial vehicle not just artics as this mixture of light truck and heavy tipper shows...
"Bedfords that might have been...and now, even GM itself is at risk of being crunched," notes Ed. And was that van the CF replacement I wonder...?
Just as a matter of interest Ed I don't suppose you happen to have any shots of those concept Bedford TM and TL 'Aero' trucks that appeared at the NEC and other truck shows in the 80s? And thanks for sharing Geoff's work with us---superb!
Hey Ed, long time no see. I recognize those drawings from the old Triad days. They still look excellent. Drop me a line would you? I'd love to catch up.
mr.wilcox@lordwillys.com