Bedford CF
Irish Buying Guide

The Bedford CF is the forgotten classic of the Irish campervan scene. Built by Vauxhall's commercial division from 1969 to 1988, the CF was sold alongside the VW Bus in Irish showrooms and converted by the same companies — Dormobile, Devon, and others. Most Irish owners have never seen one on the road. That rarity is both the appeal and the challenge.

Overview

The CF used conventional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout with a choice of petrol engines — 1.6L and 2.3L petrol were the most common in campervan conversions. Later models got a 2.0L petrol. Diesels existed but were rare in campervan spec.

Bodywork on the CF is bolt-on steel panels over a separate chassis — which means restoration is genuinely possible, but parts are now difficult to source. The support community is small but knowledgeable; the Bedford CF Club (UK) is the best resource.

Irish prices in 2026

The Irish market for the Bedford CF reflects both its rarity and condition. Here's what to expect:

What to inspect

Before any purchase, budget two hours for a proper inspection. Bring a torch and a magnet (magnets don't stick to body filler). Ideally bring someone who knows the model.

• Rear floor/chassis — the floor section over the rear axle rusts badly. Get underneath and probe everywhere.
• Front footwells — common water ingress point on the CF.
• Door pillars — A and B pillars can rust internally with little external sign.
• Battery area — acid damage to the inner wing is common.

Rust and bodywork

All classic campervans rust. The question is where, how badly, and whether it's been properly repaired or hidden. Run your magnet along all lower body panels — hollow sounds or magnetic readings where there shouldn't be any both indicate filler over rust.

Parts availability in Ireland

Post-Brexit, sourcing parts from UK suppliers adds 20–25% in customs and VAT. For major restoration work, order parts in bulk to minimise per-shipment costs. See our post-Brexit parts guide for current best practice.

Verdict

Buy a Bedford CF because you love the rarity and the community, not because it makes financial sense. Parts are increasingly specialist; the community is tiny; and the investment case is weaker than for comparable VW models. But a good CF is a genuinely special vehicle — different, rare, and entirely capable of the Wild Atlantic Way in the right hands.

Be very selective. A rough CF can be impossible to restore economically. Buy the best example you can find and budget for running costs accordingly.