County Mobile Control Vehicle - The "Spermo-bus"

Photo: Paul Woodward

Practically nothing is known about this Bedford police vehicle. It would appear to be a mobile control vehicle, rather like The Porcupine and, as it was photographed on the playing fields at Epperstone Manor, it was obviously part of the County Constabulary fleet.

However, it seems that this vehicle was actually used as a minibus, affectionately known as the Spermobus. Gren Sharpe recalls,

"If my memory serves me correctly this vehicle was actually a dual purpose vehicle mainly used as a bus for transport of staff from the old Nottingham Division (Shire hall)  through to Epperstone  Manor  and back. As a cadet at Epperstone  2.1/2yrs all departments ( including serving morning coffee to Jesse Browne  the Chief and Aleck Shand  the Dep.) I travelled on this most days.  And in 1966 when  got married and moved to West Brigford eventually going on to Traffic and Communications based at West bridgford (traffic 'wing' was in the garage behind the old nick )I had the dubious pleasure of driving this thing on the transport run .  It was known at the Sperma or Spermo bus and was on hell of a vehicle to drive  I don't recall it being used as a command post but we did use it to move bulk items etc where needed (seats could be unbolted)   One of the regular civvies on this daily run was 'Fred' who was based in T&C General office who had a shop in Netherfield and always has a small suitcase with him with chocolate and cigarretes which he sold.  Many a cadet in the early 60s will remember the call ' pass yer suitcase Fred!"