[David_Hayward (RIP)]

We know that GM Limited exercised their rights under the 'SMMT Scheme' [i.e. thje Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders] negotiated in 1944 with the Ministry of Supply. This meant that from 1947 onwards to around 1950 the were able to acquire wholesale huge quantities of Chevrolets [Canadian and ex-US] and GMCs, plus huge quantities of parts. The latter they exported around the world, which made them a lot of essential foreign currency. GM Ltd then refurbished and resold on a 10-in and 9-out basis all their acquisitions which they then sold to appointed dealers at 20% below new vehicle prices. However as you probably could not get a Bedford at the time, as they were largely intended for export only, or had a long wait for a new one, then it was essentially 'Hobson's Choice'.

As regards Bedfords, I believe that Vauxhalls were not interested in any ex-WD stock as they were busy building new vehicles. I further believe that Vauxhalls therefor contracted with Marshalls of Cambridge to refurbish and re-sell ex-military Bedfords. In addition in both cases the MofS had auctions at which individuals could buy, or enterprising dealers could acquire large numbers which they then advertised refurbished or as seen.

With regards to ex-military Fords, obviously these were disposed of by auction, but I don't know of any evidence that Dagenham was in any way interested in refutbished vehicles. This I think led to dealers, including Sydney Allard's companies, to offer them as seen or rebuilt. The MofS contracted with several companies post-war to refurbish ex-military V-8 engines for further use, and Lincoln Cars Ltd the Ford subsidiary in Brentford carried on their wartime work therefore until this all dried up around 1950.

In these respects the British post-war situation contrasts slightly with the Aussie counterparts. As we know Holden's acquired GM vehicles and then resold them after rebuild, and as just mentioned Fords did the same.

However I should add a proviso to the above re GM: several DUKWs were delivered to GM Ltd Southampton, were rebuilt and then re-sold back to the Ministry of Supply.