In 1952, Bedford launched its new four-wheel-drive truck, the R-Type, using the same all-steel cab as the S-Type. The RL had a 13ft. wheelbase and was sold in large numbers to the British army and other military users. It was rated at 3-tons by the military, then 4-tons in 1969.
Many were ordered by the government for civil defence in the Auxiliary Fire Service fleet, with various different body types and uses including Control Units, Stores & Service vans, pipe carriers, petrol carriers, recovery vehicles, and general purpose lorries. Probably the best known and most loved, though, was the Bedford RLHZ Emergency Pump, better known as the Green Goddess (earlier ones were built on the 4x2 S-Type chassis with lower ground clearance). The British Army also ordered them. Bodies were…