Isn't a Bedford Rascal just some rather horrid little Japanese microvan with a Vauxhall badge cynically glued onto it? I seriously doubt they have much to do with Luton or Bedfordshire lol.
The Rascal was a joint venture between GM (who own Vauxhall who own Bedford) and Suzuki. In Europe it was marketed at the Suzuki Super-Carry. I don't know how much of the design came from each "side", but both brands were built in Luton on the same plant.
They're fucking awesome fun to drive. We used to have a 4x4 pickup-body where I worked, and it was so light (and mid-engined) that you could get some excellent drifting going on.
Oh don't get me wrong, I totally get that vans can be a hoot to drive stupidly, especially small, light ones. I have the dubious badge of honour for blowing up a Nissan Urvan.
That modded one you mention sounds awesome... mid engined 4x4, class!