Bedford Coach type VAL 14, 1963, Chassis no. VAL 14/1059, registration no. 504 EBL

The Bedford VAL coach was built by manufacturers Bedford in the United Kingdom from the mid-1960s to mid-1970s. They were very common in the UK during this time and over 900 were built in factories across Leeds and Wolverhampton.

The Bedford VAL was unusual compared to other coaches as it featured a multi-axle design in a ‘Chinese six’ pattern with three rigid axles and two steering axles at the front. Axles rotate the wheels and support the weight of an automobile, so large vehicles like buses and coaches often have more than the standard two that cars usually have.

This unique axle design had benefits and allowed for smaller and lighter wheels, and also meant the floor of the coach was lower to the ground, making it more comfortable and accessible to board the bus.

The Bedford coach appears in quite a few films from the period, including the Beatles 1967 film ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ where Ringo Starr races sports cars around a track and the 1969 film ‘The Italian Job’.

The windows on this coach are quite striking; they are very large and aligned closely together, which creates an open and light interior and better views for passengers.

BCF fire extinguisher from Bedford Coach type VAL 14, 1963, Chassis no. VAL 14/1059, registration no. 504 EBL

The Bedford VAL coach was built by manufacturers Bedford in the United Kingdom from the mid-1960s to mid-1970s. They were very common in the UK during this time and over 900 were built in factories across Leeds and Wolverhampton.

The Bedford VAL was unusual compared to other coaches as it featured a multi-axle design in a ‘Chinese six’ pattern with three rigid axles and two steering axles at the front. Axles rotate the wheels and support the weight of an automobile, so large vehicles like buses and coaches often have more than the standard two that cars usually have.

This unique axle design had benefits and allowed for smaller and lighter wheels, and also meant the floor of the coach was lower to the ground, making it more comfortable and accessible to board the bus.

The Bedford coach appears in quite a few films from the period, including the Beatles 1967 film ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ where Ringo Starr races sports cars around a track and the 1969 film ‘The Italian Job’.

The windows on this coach are quite striking; they are very large and aligned closely together, which creates an open and light interior and better views for passengers.