Bedford CF
The Bedford CF is a range of full-size panel vans produced by Bedford. The van was introduced in 1969 to replace the CA model, and was sized to compete directly with the Ford Transit, which had entered production four years earlier. Its design was similar to its American counterpart, the Chevrolet Van (1971–1995).
| Bedford CF | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | |
| Also called | Opel Bedford Blitz GMC Griffon (United States) |
| Production | 1969–1986 |
| Assembly | Luton |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Light commercial vehicle (M) |
| Body style | Van |
| Layout | Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Related | Bedford Dormobile |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
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| Transmission |
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| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 106–140 in (2,692–3,556 mm) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor |
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| Successor | Bedford Midi |
Bedford was a General Motors subsidiary, and in some markets outside the United Kingdom and Ireland the CF was sold through Opel dealers as the Opel Bedford Blitz from 1973 on when the original Opel Blitz was phased out. In other markets such as in Norway the CF retained its original name.
The CF was notable for being the last vehicle solely designed by Vauxhall when it was discontinued in 1986 (the last Vauxhall passenger car had been the HC Viva which had ceased production in 1979); with all Vauxhall cars by that point being essentially rebranded Opels.
The Bedford brand continued on certain badge engineered light vans from Isuzu and Suzuki, before being retired in 1991 in favour of Vauxhall or Opel.