Bedford VAL

The Bedford VAL is a type of coach chassis that was built by Bedford in the United Kingdom from the mid-1960s to the early 1970s. It was unusual at the time for its multi-axle design, in a Chinese six wheelplan with two front steering axles. It was originally fitted with the Leyland O.400 straight six diesel engine, and with that engine the chassis was designated the VAL14. Over 900 VAL14s were built from 1963 to 1966, with the largest orders from Wallace Arnold of Leeds, Seamarks of Westoning, Don Everall of Wolverhampton and Bartons. From 1967 the VAL70, with the slightly larger 466 cubic inch engine of Bedford's own manufacture, quickly superseded the VAL14.