IDRIVEACLASSIC reviews: 80s Bedford Bambi motorhome (Bedford Rascal/Suzuki Super Carry)
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 27 июн 2020
- The Bambi was based on the Bedford Rascal and this meant that quality wasn’t just in the coach build, but in the mechanics too.
The little home on wheels had all the technology afforded to the Rascal including servo assisted disc front brakes with drums to the rear, rack and pinion steering, independent front suspension and leaf spring rear suspension, radial tyres and a 5 speed box as standard.
The engine, like the gearbox, was a one choice affair and it was a 970cc water cooled engine, hidden under the front seats as per the Rascal set up and boasted a power to weight ratio which was allegedly as good as many one ton class vehicles.
For me, going slightly off topic, the placement of the engine and everything under the seats is a massive turn off for working on problems wise, but hey, with only 12 foot to work with, we’ve hardly got room to put it elsewhere.
The Bambi, like the Rascal also has a turning circle of 8.8 metres and a 36 litre fuel tank.
Interesting the Bedford Bambi was sold as being British built and quite a bit of fuss was made around this on promotional literature, but it wasn’t as simple as that!
The Rascal, sometimes called the Vauxhall Rascal as it was known as the 1990 brand rebadge was also built as the Suzuki Super Carry in Japan and it was also called the GME in other markets - basically GM decided to use the name which held the most recognition and appeal in the buying location.
However despite it not being an entirely British design as implied in promo material for the Bambi, it was British built and it was built in Luton England.
If you are watching this video after looking up the Suzuki Super Carry or wondering how it differs, it really is only different as front grille and lights. The Super Carry has two separate plastic head light surrounds and the Rascal as the Bambi is based on has a single full width grill with Bedford in the centre.
And finally, You’ve also probably noticed on the outside of the van, Disney Bambi stickers and these aren’t an after market fitment. In fact, the makers of the Bambi actually used the name Bambi under license from Disney, which I’ve not heard Disney do with any other automotive manufacturer.
Keywords include:
Bedford campervan, retro campervan, 80s campervan, mini campervan, bedford bambi, bedford bambi review, bedford rascal campervan, classic campervan review, classic campervan road test, bedford camper review, bedford camper road test, bedford rascal gearbox, bedford van starting up, bedford van revving, classic campervan driving, rare campervan review, bedford rascal driving, amazing spaces camper van, 80s camping, 1980s camping 
Авто/Мото
OMG!!!, I owned that!!!, I thought it would be scrapped after the girl I sold it to years ago! I had the sills done and a few other jobs. It used to get boiling in the cab when driving long distances! I had a ball (or two) in that! I loved it and cared for it but then she had to go. I used to call her Solánge It’s unbelievable that she has turned up here! I’m jumping for joy! Love it! Xxxxxx
It’s so nice to see other younger people into these old vehicles. They are so full of character compared to modern cars.
I used to work for a guy in London who owned a posh Hi Fi shop.
He had a Suzuki Super carry in a custom Blue with gold company name on the side.
He asked us to make some deliveries in Scotland and the North of England.
The van was loaded up with large heavy glass CRT monitors and we drove off.
The van and engine behaved impeccably and I was impressed by it's performance.
I thought at the time that it would make a great camper van if the roof hight was increased.
Charming little thing . I would put a bold red stripe down the sides leading to a big letter M on the door and call it a Minnibago 😀
One guy who owns a Suzuki Carry in the Netherlands, has built his van into an A-team theme van. Very funny, but reliable vans, only enemy is rust.
My grandma had one of these. I've got a fond memory of her taking me and my brother camping in it as kids. Would you believe it, she once got a speeding ticket in hers - Good knows how! She's not with us anymore but, thought these vans are a rare sight, everytime I see one, in person or on youtube, I think about her. Cheers :)
My Dad had one of these , he always called it a bedsit on wheels when he had a argument with my mum Lol x
Hahaha. Classic!
@@idriveaclassic best scene I can remember he came back drunk on a Friday and was told to sleep inside it on a frosty night, and in the morning my mum knocked on the back door and he stepped out with his hair sticking up got in the cab to start it and the battery was flat , so he stepped out all calm pulled the door mirror out fixed his hair with a pocket comb fixed himself up and said good luck all of you I'm OFF
@@rogerdonaldsullivan1424 kinda sad isn't? Especially if he gone for good..
@24k thank God it's just a joke...
Glad he's gone
I was born twenty years before you (1968) so naturally will remember these on the roads new.
SOOTY VAN 😍 Steph, you've done it again!! Got so many happy memories of being a teenager and working for my dad at his garage, when he had a blue Suzuki Super Carry van version of this. I remember once we took it on the M1 to Burton on Trent, both of us howling with laughter with how slow and ridiculous it was. The body roll was terrible, but we loved the van to bits as it was just so useful. The sooty van was possibly the best van any trades man could ever buy
Ahh no way really!!!! Thanks for watching
You knocked this one out of the park Steph! First of all, what an awesome little vehicle! At 6ft4 I might struggle but I loved the tour, the original features, the quirky stuff (the 8 ball gearstick knob is just pure cheese) and the drive.
But the new mic is fantastic. It was an absolute pleasure to listen to you and hear you over the sound of the motor without having to turn you up to 11.
Nicely done!
Aww Paul that’s so kind of you to say. Thanks lovely ❤️
American here. Thanks for making this video, I love seeing these classics that I've never seen before.
I used to drive one of these vans for a living when I was selling in the motor trade. OOh it's lovely. so easy to drive. I loved it then and I love it now. Youv'e brought back very happy memories. I'm so glad Iv'e seen it. Everything was so easy. I used to have all sorts of vans through the years working for different companies but this was my favourite and I loved that steering wheel.
Very cute little van. Has what it needs, and nothing it doesn't.
Love this Steph, I do remember these when I was a nipper, I love the look of the simple dials, pure 80's.
I would love to see this beauty in Moreton-in-Marsh
Great to see you driving a motorhome. 😉 Huge demand for Motorhomes at the moment, so a classic motorhome like this would be a great investment.
I love it and wish that they had been available in the States. My ex-sister-in-law once asked me for something like this to be built in a Chrysler minivan, (which is substantially larger than the Suzuki (and our DOT will not allow the licensing of Japanese based mini trucks)). She was thinking about a miniature version of the classic, late 1970's full size van conversion). There is a company in the USA now that does build RV's based on the Chrysler chassis, but it would be a rather large vehicle for Great Britain ( but we consider it a small "Class C" RV). Still, a lot of features in a small package. It is good to have you back. I guess your restrictions are easing now.
Hi, Steph! HUGE improvement in sound quality and a big thumbs up for the new mic!
Aww thanks david x
Absolutely loving this compact cutie. ❤️
I saw one of these in Glasgow just a few weeks ago! Great video tour. 💓
Great little camper . owned a near new1980 suzuki carry long time ago. which i believe was the predecessor to your carry/rascal. 800cc motor fastest 0-30 kmh around then ran out of puff at 70kmh . Hampered by only a 4 speed trans. Super reliable had as my daily for 6 years got 50mpg around suburbs in Perth Australia. Sold at 150000ks still going strong. traded in on a Nissan Stanza sss ( Worst car Ive owned). Love you videos
I've been looking at a couple of camper/motorhome review cgannels lately. That must be why this showed up.
Glad it did. I like your presentation style and knowledge. Subscribed.
What a great video! My old man used to have a Bedford Rascal pick up for his own milk round years gone by. I used to give him a hand and loved the Bedford Rascal. Cracking little type Motorhome... I’m thinking of getting Motorhome as well at the moment!
Always thought these looked like a lot of fun and it's in great shape for a 1998 machine. Amazing what you can fit into a small space and it's the sort of vehicle that makes you smile when you see it. So not just fun but performs a public service :)
1988
Sound much better.Rascals always make me smile whenever I see them, fun to drive too.
Thank you so much!
I'd have one in a heartbeat. Lovely little camper.
Love these little vans. They're so cheeky looking! Wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
I know ppl aren't too fond of these but it's always been my dream car since I was a kid in the 80s. I'd love one to go travelling.
We have a MK1 1987 Bedford Bambi, such an amazing vehicle!
Great video Steph and yes the sound now is great. What a lovely little camper van. Bit of a 'Tardis' going on there. More room inside than there is outside!
Love this….....small vintage Campers are awesome.
Such a cute little camper van.
Also loved that you were around Hampton Court. My old stomping ground. Loving these videos. Keep up the good work! 👍🏼
Yay you recognised the area!
This is sooo cool, it’s so cute. I’ve just bought a caravan and also am going for the homely feel! Aaron is so cool 😎 great video Steph
In Australia it was sold both as Suzuki Super Carry and briefly as a (General Motors) Holden "Scurry". I have never seen one here as a motor-home, mainly a van and in Suzuki form, a utility (pick-up)
Brilliant video, thank you Steph! The sound is great and the picture really sharp! Well done 😉
Thanks Philip!
I have owned my Bambi for 11 years, and still love it.
Yes the van is basic, but nothing much to go wrong either, unlike modern cars. Mine has had solar panels added, so perfect for off grid holidays!
I was thinking that. Japanese engine means parts are easy enough to find and fit. Used for camping the fuel costs are bearable. Given the possibility of conversion to electric when the batteries become small and cheap enough it will probably become economical. And quiet. Nice.
What a great little vehicle - looks like loads of fun, and everything you could need for a holiday. I LOVE your videos - keep them coming and stay safe :-)
Thanks so much. You keep safe too x
What a cutie.......the motorhome is ok too......❤❤❤....love the "quality " brown plastic interior.....!!!!.....it looks fun to drive.....they must be a classic of the future.....lovely review,fun and informative,thanks...😀😀😀
Thanks for watching!
What a lovely little motorhome, unfortunately I'm 6'2" and would feel very claustrophobic in it but still enjoyable to watch a video about it. I used to love the old Sherpa van and saw some nice motorhome's based on it in the past. Not sure why but the Sherpa is one of my favourite retro vans, perhaps the styling. Always preferred it to the Transit and other vans.
great video,brought back lots of happy memories of my wee bambi,went all over the uk in it.
Ahh that’s lovely xx
I was skeptical when I started watching but fell in love with it within 30 seconds. Wish we had these in the States but they would have never passed safety and emissions even in 1988
I was sceptical before I took it for test too!
Very cute, very practical. Well driven. So positive a review, love the way you rev it, class Steph. I see no reason not to use this everyday. Just keep awake in the corners cos it will lean a bit. Enjoy Aaron.
I had a Rascal work van back in the day - absolute hoot around town and on small country roads, but definitely not built for long runs on main roads.
Cracking little camper, that had me on eBay looking! Great video 👍🏻
That's brilliant, always liked these vans and I like this one even more
We have restored 6 of these now and on our 7th fabulous little wobble boxes.
Lovely, really enjoy your vids Steph
Thanks Martin. It’s really nice of you to comment ❤️
Love the rev counter on the dash 😀😀🏁
Ah, love these little vans. I remember many many many years ago going to the Autohomes factory and seeing the conversions being built alongside the much larger vehicles.They were pretty clever in how they managed to cram everything in.
As I said in the video, the whole getting the seats out to do basic stuff like checking the oil puts me right off ownership but the clever use of space really wins you over. I’d recommend it to somebody on the fence about a caravan or motorhome
@@idriveaclassic Yes, the engine under the seats is the biggest problem but everything else is clever. This thing had few competitors, the main ones being the Romahomes built by Island Plastics, most notably using Citroen Visas and C12s as the base vehicle. Those were based on an even smaller platform and perhaps weren't so clever with their use of the available space, but did have the advantage of being lower in profile (The Hylo version would even fit in a garage). If you wanted a compact camper in the early 1990s it was a Bambi, Romahome or a small van conversion, usually on a Talbot or Ford base.
Sorry... Motorhomes are a bit of an interest with me but they don't really fit into what I do on Overdrive! I'll stop now...
Brilliant video Steph, and brilliant van love it Alexis lucky to find a good one
Bit late to this particular party, but I LOVE finding a new channel worthy of subscription. Great video Steph, thank you, and look forward to working through your other uploads. One of my first cars was the old Datsun 120 Y, wee flying machine. For some bizarre reason, my next hankering is for either a Triumph Acclaim ( I know, I know, would need to re-engineer the bugger...), or a Vauxhall Viva. Anyway, cheers again, and subscribed. 😉👍🏴
Love it, thanks Steph. I used to do a mobile video round in a rascal van ha ha. Never even seen inside one of these, great use of the space.
Great video as always.
Mobile videos. God. That’s a memory of childhood.
Another great and interesting video. Keep up the great work, Steph. ☺
Thanks Mitchell
I borrowed a van version to move my stuff from Liverpool to London back in 1996. It was surprisingly nippy. The looks I got from the HGV trailer truck drivers. They couldn't believe that I was driving it on the M42. I have a Carry 1.3 now that I bought for fun, but it has become my daily driver.
hearing the specs at 4:20 was so amusing to me. I've got this 1993 Buick Rodmaster estate wagon that is 18 feet long, a turning circle of 12 meters, and a 83 liter fuel tank.
Here in Australia some Suzuki carry’s were assembled by Holden. They were called a Holden Scurry.
We prefer the name Sooty van. Made famous by Sooty and Sweep lol
cosgrove notts oh my! Well I would call it a dirty rascal, and take it dogging!!
I read that as Scurvy
As both an avid car guy and RV'er, I love this video! Great job Steph!
Cheers so much!!!
That would be a cool little setup if you can find aftermarket parts. For the plastic pieces, there is plastic moulding glue for cracked parts and repaint them. Nice rebuilder hobby project.
I had a blue Bedford Rascal in the early 90`s (970 cc?), twin sliding doors, 5 speed gearbox, and surprisingly nippy and tons of room to carry stuff - great little vans,..........love the idea that some were coach built for campervanning!
Joyous, can't help but smile at a Rascal 😀 open the curtains for rear visibility, simple genius 👍
It really is isn’t it!
Want one!! Great video and good improved sound, thanks!
Thanks! I was nervous people wouldn’t notice a difference
Fab video, thank you! I have a 1990 Bambi and like Aaron I fell in love with it at first sight. However mine is about 1,000 decibels louder than this one - no way could you record yourself talking in the cab and have anyone be able to hear you haha!
Really enjoy this 👍🏻👍🏻
Love this! What a cutie of a campervan 😍
We drove a similar van around the UK in the 90s. It was cute and adequate, but a total nightmare on motorways and big hills. It’s the only car I’ve ever driven that actually ground to a halt when tackling a hill in 1st gear. Yes it was steep but normal small cars were passing us without a problem. On motorways the engine made your ears ring, and heat from the engine in summer made the cab very hot. But did I enjoy it? Yes, overall it was a fun way to travel - so long as you avoid fast motorways and trying to tackle very big hills when fully laden. It was no worse than an old VW camper from the 60s in that respect... Take the slow route and it will be great..
It’s a Suzuki. It’s a kei car and was sold with the great 660cc three cylinder engine as well as the 1000cc. It’s was sold here in New Zealand as the Suzuki carry with both engine sizes.
Great fun little van - I love that steering wheel!
Another update?
For cooking and heating If you purchase a plastic/fibre glass reinforced gas safefill bottle £170 you can fill up yourself with LPG at petrol stations instead of using calor gas which is about three times more expensive and a far heavier gas bottle, If you fill LPG at a gas dealer you skip the Vat too.
Thats a cute little thing. So much character. Must be fun pootling about in that. Great video Steph...mic sound sounds good😊👍
Thanks stevie!
I owned one of these in 1995 it was a 1989 f reg the cooker and the wash basin were on the opposite sides to this, it was not very economical to run probably because I didn’t drive too sedately averaging 21 mpg but it was very roomy inside.
I drove this down to southern Spain via the Plymouth/Santander ferry and spent 3 months in it and covered over 4,000 miles with no issues whatsoever.
I'm going to look for one of these, great video, we were thinking of getting a small camper a couple of years back, this has got my interest back, cheers steph, regards Graham.
My pleasure. It’s a great choice tbh.
@@idriveaclassic we've got a few on the radar, not just bedfords but diatshus also, looking to buy at the end of July, regards Graham.
Ah, the Sooty Van! Dangerously captivating. I had a Suzuki Supercarry but bought without viewing and it needed £2k worth of welding and subsequent paint 🙈🙈
I had one of these, no trouble driving hundreds of miles in it and I am 6ft. Under the gas cooker is a grill, very useful, mine had the fridge. I did some amazing holidays in that van it was amazing
I had the Honda chassis one. Toured Cornwall and the Peaks in it. Loved it.
I had one of these. Loved it. 😊👍
I had one of these... loved it, but got hot under the seat when driving!
Yeah, I had an old Commer van years ago, and had the same issue, the cab was like an oven 🤣
I drove the basic van version, years ago. It was an absolute hoot.
Love it! This wee camper is so cool 😎
Isn’t it just!!!
Great informative video. What would it be like getting engine parts, exhaust etc?
Vast improvement in the sound. I'm with you on the toilet arrangement. I'd want a proper bathroom like in a touting caravan we had and lived in for a year between properties. The downside was emptying the loo and grey water but I got used to it, even when we had snow it was ok.
Theres a blue one round the corner from me. It's been owned from new and is mint! Love it! 🤣👍
Yeah developed a fetish for caravans & motor homes a few months ago when I saw how comfortable the ones with end lounges looked, the sofas especially the springed ones that can be converted to beds looked more comfortable than in most houses.
These,little Suzuki engines were,unstoppable
Ive serviced a few Rascals back in the day. They werent too bad to service😊
I used to own a 1986 Suzuki Supercarry when I had my own business it was my first real vehicle that I owned. I loved it on numerous occasions I would drive from London all the way to Prestatyn North Wales and back in one day to pick up stock from my suppliers. A very long drive especially as would not sit very comfortably above 55-60 mph, it was impeccably reliable however and really quite nippy round town. When my business folded I used it for a number of years as a courier in London, which it handled superbly.
I guess as it was my first main vehicle I found the steering wheel position fine almost bus like cos you almost sit over it. Another thing having no bonnet I’m not sure if it’s a subconscious thing but you instinctively keep back from other vehicles as you don’t want to mash your legs in a crash lol.
Great little camper van and as always a great review. Take care
Thanks andrew!
I can’t get Sooty out of my head whenever I see one of these. You’d have to get on with whoever you went on holiday with, if you had an argument it wouldn’t leave you much space to avoid them.😂
I remember seeing the Bambi on Top Gear when it was new. I feel old.
The basic van was great to drive and very nippy, and ideal when used for multiple drop deliveries in and around towns and short bursts on the motorways were bearable, as I use to drive the van version around 100 miles a day doing 40 drops, we even managed to go basic camping in this with a double airbed and double sleeping bag, and it was great around the dales and lake district.
However once you put a coach built body on it they became ungainly and slow in traffic, with a friend who we went camping with calling there's the snail, partly because it carried it's home on it's back and the slowness, you were better sticking to A roads than motorways.
It was a big step up from a tent and if you was small ok for two and ideal for going from place to place at your own pace, stop for a single night here and there, you would not want to blast this down the motorway, and as long as you use it that way these are still a great buy.
%100 Love it! front cab looks just like my super carry.
Just sold ours a week ago. Having watched this, part of me is missing it already.
Hey I’m so sorry to hear it brought on a bit of regret :( x
How much did you sell it for? Is £4500 over-priced?
I wish we had these here in the states!
Greetings from the Mojave Desert California🏜️✌️
The trouble with the rebadged Isuzu's of that era (the Bedford Midi, Rascal and Suzuki Supercarry) is they rust something chronic. No factory corrosion protection until the 90's. We got a Midi in '85 and by the early 90's it was already falling apart with a severe case of rust around the side door area which rendered that access point useless unless you wanted the entire thing to fall off. The engines go on forever though. But I'd check very carefully for corrosion.
I know, but a lot of the old stuff suffers just the same.
@@idriveaclassic Oh indeed. And at some point they started using corrosion protection which is why you still see some later Vauxhall variants running around. Both the Rascal and Midi were meant to be stopgaps for Bedford while they developed their own models. But instead the whole operation was run down by GM. Shame. Went to Malta in 1991 and the whole place was TEAMING with Rascal's and Midi's as well as lots of older Bedford models such as the CF. Which suggests to me Maltese Ebay might be a good source of spare parts!
Excellent little motor dude and it looks super clean 🧼 Too
Hey! I love your reviews! Greetings from Argentina!
Hey 👋
@@idriveaclassic I like old BL cars very much, I hope you can do more reviews of them. Some of these cars have been built in Argentina in the 60´s under licence, based on the Riley 4/68, that´s why we know them here in my country. Kind regards!
Thank you, I watch quite a bit of you tube as I love all the old stuff, most are not aware of it so they do not realise the effect it has, mind you I can go on boats in open water go figure ! As long as that movement is slowed I am fine, I think a lot just move in closer naturally, you never think to ask what does not effect you though.
Excellent start of the video Steph, made me laugh :D
Top job :D
Thanks!
Thanks for the video 😎
The seats are not standard which may be why it's a struggle to get them in and out.
The originals are really easily removable and fit back in without problem
They were sold in Australia as a Holden Scurry.
I have always wanted one
I would definitely use this 👌🏻