The Bedford R series was developed by Vauxhall Motors of England to replace their wartime 4x4 3 tonner, the QL, The Bedford R began service in December 1950 with the British Army and was based on the civilian S type "Big Bedford". The R was in production for 17 years and during that time was produced in many forms, including Troop Trucks, Drop Side Cargo Trucks, Wreckers, Dump Trucks, tankers and the Green Goddess Fire Engine. With the British Army's commitment to NATO Bedford even Made Left Hand Drive vehicles for use in Germany by the British Forces stationed there.
Possible the most recognisable Army Truck, used all over the world the RL began its life in the New Zealand Army in 1965 serving until it was replaced by the Mercedes Unimog in the Late 1980's. Like most armies around the globe with the RL, New Zealand had most of the variants, including Dumpers, Wreckers, Cargo, Winch Trucks and Workshops. Several RL's have been saved by Members of the NZ MVCC, these once common vehicles have become quite rare, this one of Nicks is of very high quality being stripped down to a bare chassis and compeletly rebuilt by the current owner.