title: Bedford OY
text: # Bedford OY
  
  The Bedford OY is an army lorry (truck) built by Bedford for the British Armed Forces and introduced in 1939. It was based on Bedford's O-series commercial vehicles with a modified front end and single rear tyres. It was designed for a 3-ton payload. The OYD was a general service vehicle, while the OYC was a tanker version for carrying water or petrol. These vehicles were widely used during, and after, World War II but were later superseded by the Bedford RL.
  
  ## Technical data
  
  * Engine: Bedford 6-cylinder, type WD, 3,519 cc (214 cubic inches) displacement, liquid cooled
  * Horsepower: 72 at 3,000 rpm
  * Transmission: 4-speed manual
  * Transfer box: None
  * Electrical system: 12 volt
  * Brakes: Hydraulic with vacuum servo assistance
  * Tyres: 10.50 - 16
  * Fuel type: Petrol
  * Fuel capacity: 145 litres (32 gallons)
  * Range: 450 km (280 miles)
  * Maximum speed: about 65 km/h (40 mph)
  
  ## Variants
  
  * OYD - general service
  * OYC - tanker
  
  Derived non-military vehicles using OY and OX chassis
  
  * OWS - 5-ton short wheelbase
  * OWL - 5-ton long wheelbase
  * OWB - 32 seat bus
  
  ## Bedford OX
  
  The OX was a short-wheelbase version of the OY, designed for a 30 cwt (1.5 ton) payload. It had a semi-forward cab that resembled the 15-cwt Bedford MW.
  
  The OXD was a general service vehicle with a 8 ft 8 in (2.64 m) by 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) by 2 ft 3 in (0.69 m) tall body, while the OXC was designed, in association with Scammell, for use with a semi-trailer.
  
  In the early part of the war, the addition of an armoured body to the OXD gave the Bedford OXA (official designation "Lorry 30cwt Anti-Tank"). These were used for home defence.
  
  