Bedford 400
The final evolution of a British trucking icon under AWD ownership.
- Power
- 145 bhp
About the Bedford 400
The Bedford 400 series represents the final chapter of the legendary Bedford truck brand following its acquisition by David John Bowes Brown's AWD Ltd in 1987. Based on the long-running TL chassis, the 400 series (specifically the 425 trim, denoting a 4.25-tonne gross vehicle weight) was modernised with the fitment of the Perkins Phaser engine, which offered significantly improved efficiency and refinement over the older Bedford 'Blue' units. While the exterior remained largely familiar to the 1980s TL, the mechanical updates were intended to keep the design competitive against rising European rivals. Production was short-lived, ending in 1992 when AWD entered receivership, marking the end of Dunstable-built Bedford commercial vehicles.
Bedford 400 specs
The Bedford 400 produces 145 bhp (108 kW) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque.
| Make | Bedford |
|---|---|
| Model | 400 |
| Trim | 425 |
| Years | 1988–1992 |
| Type | Truck |
| Body style | Chassis cab |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Engine | 6.0-litre turbocharged inline-six |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,985 cc (6.0 litres) |
| Induction | Turbocharged |
| Power | 145 bhp (108 kW) at 2,600 rpm |
| Torque | 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 2,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 3,200 kg (7,055 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 45 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
Bedford 400 rarity in CarSpot
The Bedford 400 is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 12 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Bedford 400 fun facts
- The '425' designation refers to the truck's 4.25-tonne Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), a common naming convention for AWD-era Bedfords.
- The Perkins Phaser engine used in this model was a major selling point, marketed for its 'Quadram' combustion system which reduced noise and emissions.
- After AWD went into receivership in 1992, the remains of the business were purchased by Marshall of Cambridge to provide parts support for the thousands of Bedfords still in service.