The Taylor Bedmobile of Sedgeford

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THE TAYLOR BEDMOBILE OF SEDGEFORD

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All previous books covering the history of the British motor caravan industry have regarded the Bedmobile conversions as something of a mystery, usually mentioning them only briefly, if at all. Thanks to more than two years of diligent research, this new book by Tony Beadle records the story of the Taylor Bedmobile motor caravan in detail.

In 1954, when Gerald Taylor was faced with the problem of providing transportation for his wife and five children, he came up with an inventive solution. Purchasing a basic 10cwt Bedford CA van he added side windows and the extra seats needed to accommodate his family. What set him apart from all the other amateur vehicle builders of this period was that, less than a year after his first van was finished, a company called Taylor Motor Body Conversions was in business producing two or three motor caravans a week and advertising in the national motoring press.

There was a boom in demand for motor caravans during the late 1950s and early ‘60s and the firm expanded; new workshops were constructed and output increased to 5 or 6 vehicles a week at its peak. A range of 11 Bedmobile models were produced using Bedford, Ford, BMC and Commer vans. Taylor Motor Bodies Ltd was incorporated in 1964. Sadly, at the early age of 55, Gerald Taylor died of lung cancer in June 1968 and the company was then closed down. Any visitor to the Norfolk village of Sedgeford these days would struggle to find the site where well over a thousand Bedmobile motor caravans were manufactured.

This fascinating book chronicles an overlooked aspect of motoring and local history using interviews with Taylor family members, former employees and village residents. In addition to previously unpublished photographs, diagrams and illustrations, plus in-depth information about the Bedmobile development and manufacturing, model data and specifications, the contents also include a biography of enigmatic company founder Gerald Taylor.

The Taylor Bedmobile of Sedgeford by Tony Beadle

ISBN 978-0-9566538-1-9

Paperback, 255mm x 183mm, 48 pages, with over 40 illustrations.
Published by Panic Button Press, 55 Howletts Lane, Ruislip, Middlesex HA4 7SA. Tel: 01895 630892

    Last updated: 21 Aug