In a restoration lasting over 50 months Pat Cullen and his son Padraic have got their 1963 Bedford fire engine back on the road.
According to Pat there a lot of peculiarities for driving the Bedford when compared with a more modern vehicle. To begin with you are sitting off-centre as the steering wheel is off to the driver’s left-side. In addition the driver’s left foot is up tight against the engine cover.
Finding the correct gear, especially reverse in the non-synchromesh gearbox is challenging as the gear stick is located behind and to the left of the driver’s sitting position, and the lack of power steering will apparently put the muscles of Popeye to the test.
While the servo assisted brakes have been totally refurbished, they are still of their time (1960s) and not as powerful as modern brakes.
Flat out Pat predicts the 100 hp 3.7 tonne Bedford will reach a very respectable 35 mph (56 km/h) and if he is lucky 40 mph (64 km/h) on a downhill!
Check out our previous episode on the restoration – ‘Irish Bedford 1963 Fire Engine Restored | Season 2 – Episode 78’ https://irelandmade.ie/irish-bedford-1963-fire-engine-restored-season-2-episode-78/
Information sources:
HCB Angus: A Pictorial Record – Aidan Fisher
Wicklow Fire Service
