As a Sales Manager for HCB, I used to travel to Bahrain & the Gulf in the '70s &'80s.We sold a number of vehicles to Bahrain Fire Service, many based on our CSV (Crew Safety Vehicle) using Bedford TK chassis with the 500 Cu In diesel engine. I remember selling them an ET, but bodywork was different. Most were in a dayglo colour originally used by Greater Manchester, as seen in this pic.
John, What a shame HCB went bankrupt, this should never happened and they should have been saved even with Government intervention. For what its worth I, think they were one, if not the best fire appliance builder in the U.K along with Carmichaels of Worcester I always look for their products especially during the fifties build period I, know Hampshire and most Brigades during this time had front line appliances from this builder.
Added by Andy Daley on 28 April 2007.