Bedford’s boxy HA van had a very long life, being introduced in 1964, outliving not only the Vauxhall Viva HA saloon that it was derived from, but also the HB and HC Vivas, only going out of production in 1983. 6cwt (HAE) and 8cwt (HAD) versions were offered initially, with the 8cwt replaced by a 10cwt (HAV) in 1973. Later vans were badged as the HA110 for the lighter duty version (by then 7cwt) and HA130 for the heavier weight (10cwt).
To begin with, the vans had the 1057cc Viva HA engine, though with a lower compression ratio. From 1967, the 1159cc engine from the HB Viva was fitted. Later vans had a 1256cc unit. You got a four-speed all-synchromesh gearbox and rack & pinion steering.
They were sold in large numbers to the Post Office for the Telephones fleet and continued in use into the British Telecom era, as well as seeing service as Royal Mail
