Bertie the Bedford joins Brum at Cotswold Motoring Museum following remarkable restoration

Two star-studded pieces of British motoring nostalgia have been brought together at the Cotswold Motoring Museum, where a fully restored 1962 Bedford ice cream van has been unveiled at the home of children’s television favourite Brum.

Affectionately known as Bertie, the vintage ice cream van has taken pride of place outside the Bourton-on-the-Water museum following an extensive restoration project that transformed it from a state of disrepair into a fully operational food outlet and visitor attraction.

Bertie joins the museum’s most famous resident, Brum, who became a household name through the hit children's television series that aired between 1991 and 2002. Bertie also has television credentials of its own, having featured on Find It, Fix It, Flog It with Henry Cole in 2024.

More recently, Bertie was reunited with the presenter during filming for Junk and Disorderly, where both Cole and co-host Sam "Skid" Read were impressed by the scale of the transformation.

Bertie the Bedford’s journey to the museum began with an email in late 2023 which sought to find a new home for the vehicle. Although there was initially no obvious place for it within the museum's collection, the opportunity was revisited as plans developed to introduce a new outdoor attraction.

The museum purchased the van for £4,500 but it was in significant disrepair, with extensive rust damage, structural issues and a worn interior. It was subsequently transported to the Forest of Dean, where it underwent a large restoration project including structural repairs, upgraded electrics, a full respray and a redesigned interior that meets modern food service standards.

Oliver Reece, manager at Cotswold Motoring Museum, said: “Bertie the Bedford has such a special story and we’re delighted to welcome him to the museum. His restoration has been a real labour of love, bringing a much-loved piece of motoring history back to life.

“Having Bertie and Brum together is especially exciting. They both spark happy memories for visitors of all ages and celebrate a wonderful part of Britain’s motoring heritage.”

Brum remains one of the museum's most popular exhibits. Based on an Austin 7 Chummy, the character starred in the award-winning children's television series created by Ragdoll Productions, leaving his home at the Cotswold Motoring Museum each episode to embark on adventures before returning safely at the end of the day.

Before arriving in Bourton-on-the-Water, Bertie made his debut at Whitemead Forest Park while awaiting a trading licence from Cotswold District Council. The restored van quickly proved a hit with visitors, serving ice creams to families and prompting fond memories of similar vehicles from visitors’ own childhoods.

Today, visitors can see both Brum and Bertie together at the Cotswold Motoring Museum, combining classic motoring heritage with family-friendly nostalgia in the heart of the Cotswolds.

Visitors to Cotswold Cottages, picturesque holiday accommodation in the heart of Gloucestershire’s Bourton-on-the-Water, receive free entry to the museum.

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Editors notes

About the Cotswold Motoring Museum:

Located in the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, the Cotswold Motoring Museum is an award-winning visitor attraction celebrating the history of motoring and childhood through a unique collection of vintage vehicles, classic memorabilia and nostalgic toys.

The museum is home to the original Brum, star of the beloved children's television series, alongside rare cars, motorcycles, caravans and motoring artefacts spanning more than a century. It welcomes thousands of visitors each year and offers an engaging experience for families, enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

About Cotswold Cottages:

Cotswold Cottages are located in one of the prettiest villages in the UK, Bourton-on-the-Water, and are perfect for a romantic getaway or family escape. There are four quaint cottage apartments housed within an old mill building and a larger semi-detached cottage, Stepping Stones, which is perfect for bigger groups and families.

Each cottage has an individual feel and is lovingly furnished to make the most of its unique features, including original rustic exposed beams. Built from local Cotswold stone, the self-catering cottages all come with well equipped kitchens, charming lounges and offer plenty of modern comforts for an unforgettable self-catering getaway.

Cotswold Cottages is owned by Boundless, the membership club for civil service and public sector workers who are looking for inspiration on getting the most out of their free time. Members can save up to 20% on public prices, with membership starting from just £45 a year.

https://www.boundless.co.uk/save-more/cotswold-cottages

About Brum:

Brum is the small yellow car from the much-loved children’s television series Brum, which first aired in 1991 and ran until 2002.

Created by Ragdoll Productions, the series followed Brum as he left his home at the Cotswold Motoring Museum in Bourton-on-the-Water to explore the “Big Town” before returning safely at the end of each episode.

The museum featured in the programme’s opening and closing sequences and remains Brum’s home today, where he is one of its most popular attractions.