1956 Bedford RLHZ 'Green Goddess' 4x4 Fire Tender Project, Registration no. PGW 238 Chassis no. RLHZ 7669

Odometer reading: TBC
MOT: Exempt

*One of the best known British 'commercial' vehicles
*Comprehensive service file
*Offered for restoration

Most people's knowledge of the Bedford 'Green Goddess' is limited to their appearances, driven by military personnel, during the industrial action taken by firemen in 1977 and 2002. Based on the Bedford RL commercial chassis and powered by a 4.9-litre six-cylinder petrol engine, the RLHZ 'Green Goddess' was commissioned in the early 1950s as part of the UK's 'Cold War' civil defence arrangements, and was operated by the Auxiliary Fire Service until its dissolution in 1968. Although capable of fighting fires, the 'Green Goddess' was primarily intended to act as a self-propelled water pump, extracting water from rivers, lakes and canals into British cities in the aftermath of a nuclear attack. Mothballed after 1968, the 'Green Goddess' fleet was kept maintained in readiness for use in emergencies in support of the civil authorities. In March 2004 the British Government commenced selling off its remaining stock of more than 900 vehicles, most of which went to developing countries in Africa.
Built in November 1954, this example was first registered to the Home Office in London on 17th April 1956. The vehicle comes with a comprehensive service file, which reveals it spent most of its life in storage at Home Office Supply and Transport Depots before ending up in Marchington, Staffordshire when the entire fleet was centralised around 1989. Research has shown that 'PGW 238' was operational during both of the aforementioned firemen's strikes. Given the destination of the majority of its fellows, this increasingly rare example - once restored - can only become an appreciating asset.

Vendor Score Total: 28 /100

Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.

Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well

EXTERIOR TOTAL: 8 /25
Body Work: 1
Paint: 1
Glass: 2
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 2
Wheels/Tyres: 2

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 4 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 1
Axles: 1
Suspension: 1
Brakes: 1

INTERIOR TOTAL: 5 /20
Seats: 2
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 1
Headlining: 1
Trim: 1

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 2 /10
Main components: 1
Ancillary components: 1

ENGINE TOTAL: 4 /20
Starting: 1
Running: 1
Under Bonnet: 1
Mechanical components: 1

Car History File: 5