Bedford Y series

The Bedford Y series was a family of bus and coach chassis manufactured by Bedford from 1970.

History

Announced in September 1970, the Bedford YRQ was a 10-metre (33 ft) coach chassis intended to replace the Bedford VAM. The engine was mounted centrally under the floor.

In 1972 an 11-metre (36 ft) version, the YRT, entered production as a replacement for the twin-steer Bedford VAL.^[1]

New more powerful engines were introduced in 1975 with the YLQ (10m) and YMT (11m).

The 1980 YNT was a development of the YMT with a turbocharged engine,^[2] while the YLQ became the YMQ and then the YMP.

The 12-metre YNV Venturer with air suspension was the final development of the Y series, announced in 1984.

Bus and truck production by Bedford ceased in 1986.^[3]

Chassis summary

Bedford Y series
- Eight metres
  - YMP/S
- Ten metres
  - YRQ
  - YLQ
  - YMQ
  - YMP
- Eleven metres
  - YRT
  - YMT
  - YNT
- Twelve metres
  - YNV Venturer

The Bedford Y series was sold extensively in the United Kingdom, mainly to independent operators, as well as in export markets. It was fitted with a wide variety of bodies by different manufacturers, chiefly Duple and Plaxton.

References

^ Mid-engine Bedford YRT replaces VAL Commercial Motor 30 June 1972
^ YNT 'good Commercial Motor 25 Oct 1980
^ Bedford Buses and Coaches By Nigel R B Furness, The Crowood Press Ltd, 2016

[1] Mid-engine Bedford YRT replaces VAL Commercial Motor 30 June 1972

[2] YNT 'good Commercial Motor 25 Oct 1980

[3] Bedford Buses and Coaches By Nigel R B Furness, The Crowood Press Ltd, 2016

[1]

[2]

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