Lot 032: Bedford Model 'O' lorry

First registered in October 1945, this Bedford Model 'O' lorry is believed to be an ex-War Department vehicle that was returned to civilian use after the war. As its original buff log book and copies of various old V5 documents make clear, it was initially registered to Thomas Speakman of Old Sodbury, Glos, who kept it until 1961. It was then registered to Ralph Watts of Badminton, Glos, who kept it until 1983 and has had just three keepers since.Said to be in good running order, it has recently been treated to a full brake overhaul (now said to perform exceptionally well) and four 'new old stock' period Michelin tyres on the back axle. The 3.5-litre engine is said to be in good health and it will be driven 30 miles to the sale.Although the vehicle is MOT exempt, it was submitted to a test out of curiosity last year and sailed through with no problems whatsoever. All lights and other electrical items are said to work as they should. It is still on its original, transferable number plate, JAE 867, which has been valued at �3,000 by Reg Transfers. It also retains the 'towel rail' on the front, a relic from its days in the Army when it would have been used for carrying rolls of barbed wire. Taxed until June 2008, it comes with various old tax discs back to 1985, the aforementioned log books and three old photographs showing it in earlier times. A sturdy old workhorse that shows every sign of having many years left in it yet.