The Bedford TM was a heavy goods vehicle constructed by Bedford Vehicles, the British arm of General Motors' commercial vehicle division, between 1974 and 1986. Up until the TM, Bedford had been building mostly low-specification short haul distribution trucks such as the Bedford TK and KM. In view of the increasing popularity of high cab "luxury" cabs in the maximum weight long distance category, such as the Volvo F88, Scania 110 and Leyland Marathon, Bedford introduced the TM as a competitor to these models.
Powertrain[]
Through its lifespan it was available with a Detroit Diesel 2-stroke V8 and V6, Bedford 500 turbo engine or a Cummins L10 coupled to either a Fuller or Spicer transmission and a Soma rear axle. The Detroit engine was not a successful choice in the UK. Because of its high-revving characteristics it proved unpopular with drivers, who were used to slow revving, long stroke, UK diesels. It was also disliked by operators because of its poor fuel economy.
Variants[]
Available as either an articulated tractor unit, or as a rigid, in either wide or narrow day and sleeper cabs, the TM was actually a highly competent vehicle and over the years was a common sight with some of the larger UK operators. It offered new standards of comfort and refinement for a Bedford produced vehicle.
End of production[]
The model finally bowed out in 1986 with the collapse of its parent company, although the UK military continues to use a number of four-wheel drive TMs. The firm was resurrected for a short time as AWD building mainly specialist vehicles. AWS was founded by David J. Brown of Artix fame and creator of Multidrive.
Preservation[]
This is a relatively modern vehicle but a few example are now in preservation, often used as transport for other classic vehicles or machinery.
- please add any known examples in preservation to list.
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Photo | Were seen/Featured | Other info |
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| Please add any truck with known reg or serial no. with Photo if possible. | |||||||||
| Create a page (link) for an individual truck by linking the reg or serial number using [[Truck make-model-reg no.|reg number]] or [[Truck make-model-serial no.|serial number]] in the relevant column. Then once saved click the red link to start the new page and add info on that truck. |
See also[]
- AWD - successor company.
- List of Truck Manufacturers
- Military vehicles
- Shows and Meets
- Clubs Listing
References[]
based on wikipedia version
External links[]
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