The Karrier Bantam was a compact yet robust lorry produced by Karrier, a subsidiary of Rootes Group, from the 1930s through to the 1970s. Designed primarily for urban and municipal use, the Bantam was well known for its excellent maneuverability, making it ideal for navigating narrow streets and tight spaces. The short wheelbase version was particularly favored for tasks that required frequent stops and easy access to goods, such as refuse collection, milk and coal deliveries, and brewery work. These vehicles were typically powered by Commer or Humber petrol engines, though diesel variants became available later. Their cab-over-engine (COE) design maximized cargo space while keeping the overall footprint compact.
The Karrier Bantam found widespread popularity with local councils, particularly for refuse collection and street maintenance, as well as breweries like Whitbread and Watney’s, which used them for urban beer deliveries. Utility companies such as gas and electricity boards also employed them for service work due to their reliability and ease of handling. Additionally, Karrier Bantams were used by fairground operators to tow caravans and heavy equipment, as their sturdy chassis could handle significant loads despite their small size. Today, restored Bantams are prized by vintage commercial vehicle enthusiasts, often seen at historic transport rallies.
3D printed in resin and finished in green, our split screen version of the model is ready to go to work on your period layout, or even to add a nice retro touch to your modern day setup. Load the flatbed up with whatever takes your fancy!
This model can be supplied unpainted if required – simply leave a note at the checkout if you want this.
5 pence coin shown for scale and not included!
All of our products are proudly made in the UK. Please see our other items for more vehicles and scenery products.
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