Bedford TM

The Bedford TM was a heavy goods vehicle constructed by the British arm of General Motors' commercial vehicle division, Bedford, between 1974 and 1986. Up until the TM, Bedford had been building mostly low-specification short haul distribution trucks such as the TK and KM. In view of the increasing popularity of high cab "luxury" cabs in the maximum weight long distance category, such as the Volvo F88, Scania 110 and Leyland Marathon, Bedford designed the TM as a competitor. Through its lifespan it was available with a Detroit Diesel 2-stroke V8 and V6, Bedford 500 turbo engine or a Cummins L10 coupled to either a Fuller or Spicer transmission and a Soma rear axle.The Detroit engine was not a successful choice in the UK, it proved unpopular with drivers who were used to slow revving long stroke UK diesels, due to its high revving characteristics and disliked by operators because of its poor fuel economy.

Available as either articulated tractor units or as a rigid, in either wide or narrow day and sleeper cabs, the TM was actually a highly competent vehicle and over the years was a common sight with some of the larger UK operators. It offered new standards of comfort and refinement especially for a Bedford.The model finally bowed out in 1986 with the collapse of its parent company, although the UK military continues to use a number of 4wd TMs.