A Classic Bedford J2 with a Unique History
Our Bedford J2, registration MVE 400H, has an unusual history that began with the Cambridge Area Health Authority, long before it became part of the A D Rains Coaches vintage collection.
Originally used for hospital transport, the vehicle was fitted with eleven seats and a chairlift, reflecting its specialist role at the time.
Over the years, it passed through several operators and preservation owners before being converted into a more conventional passenger-carrying coach.
Today, it forms part of our collection of classic British vehicles in Brinkworth, Wiltshire.
Early Years with Cambridge Area Health Authority
The Bedford J2 was originally supplied to Cambridge Area Health Authority for use at Tower Hospital in Ely.
It was configured as a C11FL vehicle, providing eleven seats and a chairlift.
This made it quite different from a conventional passenger coach, as it had been adapted for a particular transport requirement.
The vehicle’s early years provide an interesting connection with the history of healthcare transport in Britain.
A Changing Life Through Different Operators
Following its original service with Cambridge Area Health Authority, the Bedford J2 passed through several operators.
By the 1980s, it was with Storeys Coaches of Littleport, Cambridgeshire.
At an unknown later date, it moved to Reynolds Coaches of Caister, Norfolk.
In 1995, the vehicle passed to Flatman of Wormingford, Suffolk, during its preservation history.
In September 2003, it moved to Flack of Hardwick, Cambridgeshire, where it continued in preservation.
During this period, the Bedford J2 appeared in a fictional Memory Lane Coaches livery, giving it the appearance of a traditional coach operator’s vehicle.
Conversion to a 20-Seat Coach
One of the most significant changes in the Bedford J2’s history took place during its preservation years.
In April 2009, the vehicle passed to Newby in West Yorkshire.
During this period, the original chairlift was removed and the interior was converted from its eleven-seat hospital transport configuration to accommodate twenty coach seats.
This transformation gave the vehicle a new purpose while allowing it to retain its distinctive Bedford appearance.
It also illustrates how classic commercial vehicles can be adapted for different roles throughout their working and preservation lives.
Joining A D Rains Coaches
In October 2012, Bedford J2 MVE 400H arrived at A D Rains Coaches in Brinkworth, Wiltshire.
By this time, the vehicle had already experienced several decades of changing ownership, different uses and preservation work.
Its journey from specialist hospital transport to a preserved passenger coach makes it a particularly interesting addition to the collection.
The Bedford J2 Today
Today, MVE 400H remains part of our collection of vintage British coaches and vehicles.
Its compact proportions, traditional styling and unusual history distinguish it from the larger Leyland coaches in our fleet.
For enthusiasts, it represents an interesting example of a Bedford vehicle that has survived through several different stages of its life.
For weddings, heritage events and special occasions, it offers the opportunity to include a classic vehicle with genuine history and character.
Enquire About Hiring Bedford J2 – MVE 400H
If you’re interested in hiring our Bedford J2 for a wedding, heritage event, special celebration or group occasion, we’d be pleased to discuss your requirements.
Please let us know your preferred date, journey details and approximate passenger numbers so we can advise on availability and suitability.
Contact A D Rains Coaches to make an enquiry.
You can also explore our complete Vintage Coach Hire collection to discover the other classic vehicles in our fleet.