Rationalising its manufacturing, General Motors moved production of Chevrolet commercial vehicles to its Vauxhall car plant at Luton, from whence a redesigned range of 'Bedford' branded commercials emerged in 1931.

In 1939, Bedford introduced the 'K' series which, in common with passenger cars of the time, was more curvaceously styled and featured a rounded radiator grille.

The 'K' series catered for 30-40cwt payloads, while further up the scale Bedford offered the 'M' and 'O' series for loads of up to three tons and five tons respectively.

In August 1939, two new prototypes of very special public vehicles were launched.

The first was the famous red Routemaster double decker bus the second was the Bedford OB single decker bus, each destined to become an icon in their own right.

Only a few weeks later war was declared and most of the Bedford production went into producing military vehicles and any buses that were made usually had utility, wooden slatted seats.

Relatively few 'OB' ...