Bedford HA
| Bedford HA | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Bedford (General Motors) |
| Also called | Bedford Handi-Van (Australia) |
| Production | 1963–1983 |
| Assembly | Luton, Bedfordshire, England |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Light commercial vehicle |
| Body style | Car derived van |
| Layout | Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Related | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 91.5 in (2,324 mm) |
| Length | 150.2 in (3,815 mm) |
| Width | 59.4 in (1,509 mm) |
| Height | 59.5 in (1,511 mm) |
| Kerb weight |
|
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Vauxhall/Bedford Astravan |
The Bedford HA was a car derived van introduced in 1963 by Bedford, based on the Vauxhall Viva (HA) family car. It was also known as the Bedford Beagle in estate form and Bedford Roma in small campervan form. The Beagle was an officially sanctioned conversion based on the 8 cwt van, carried out by Martin Walter of Folkestone, Kent. The Beagle received rear side windows and a fold-down rear seat; leaving 28 inches (710 mm) of luggage space with the seat in use.
The Bedford HA was extremely popular with utility companies in the United Kingdom, particularly the Post Office, British Rail,electricity boards, British Telecom, and British Gas. Many other firms such as British European Airways, DER rental, and Meals on Wheels services had large fleets as well. It was the inspiration for Postman Pat's original van. It was originally available in 6 cwt and heavier duty 8 cwt models (payloads of 670 or 900 lb; 300 or 410 kg), with the chassis codes HAE and HAV respectively. Gross vehicle weights were 2,400 and 2,615 lb (1,090 and 1,185 kg) respectively. The 8 cwt had a heavier rear axle, bigger tyres, and a sixth leaf in the rear springs. The 8 cwt was generally better equipped, offering a number of chromed trim parts (bumpers, mirrors, etcetera) and slightly plusher interior fittings. By 1971 the 6 cwt had been downgraded further yet, and now only came with a driver's seat as standard. Conversely, a fold-down rear seat was available as an option.
By the late seventies, the denominations had been changed to HA 110 and HA 130 respectively, with payload ratings of 371 and 546 kg (818 and 1,204 lb). In September 1964, for the 1965 model year, the Viva and HA Van received minor changes such as a quicker steering rack, new door trim, and a modified choke control. In Australia, the Bedford HA was sold as the "Bedford Handi-Van" from 1964 until 1970.
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