The Bedford VAL

One of the most iconic British motor coach chassis of all time was Bedfords VAL, which was introduced at the 1962 Commercial Motor Show. This was the first time that Bedford had ventured in to the large-capacity coach market, but it did it with style and a novel engineering approach. Employing a vertically-mounted Leyland engine, a low-height chassis, 16" wheels and a twin-steer front axle, it became the coach of the era. Its modest chassis price also enabled many smaller operators enter into the tour and excursion market.