BEAN Tourer

The Bean car project was an attempt to bring a Ford Model T competitor to the British car buyer. In early days it succeeded, but ultimately failed as it became unable to compete in a growing market as a world-wide recession took its toll.

A Harper Sons & Bean grew from the merger of two Midlands industrial families, and by the outbreak of the First World War was supplying metal castings to a large number of British automobile makers. During the years of conflict they manufactured mainly artillery shell cases, and when peace came looked at car making.

In 1919 the company purchased the design rights, jigs and tools for the pre-war Perry 11.9hp light car. A former munitions factory at Dudley manufactured bodies whilst a factory at Tipton, Staffs, handled assembly. The company invested heavily to meet this challenge, including the first moving production line in the UK motor industry.

The first Bean, the ‘12’, had a 1796cc, four-cylinder, engine with cas- iron cylinder head and aluminium crankcase and separate three-speed gearbox. Production targets were optimistic (50,000 cars a year!) and by 1920 only some 2,000 cars had been manufactured. In 1921 the company went into receivership.

A year later Bean was back in production with a revised version of the ‘12’. In 1923 a larger ‘14’ with 2384cc engine and four-speed gearbox was introduced and a new ‘12’ marketed as a challenge for the Morris Cowley. The four-seater touring body was distinguished by its uniform front and rear doors.

The ‘12’ ceased production in 1927 with some 3,000 vehicles made. By then the company had suffered further financial problems and been wholly purchased by Sheffield steel company Hadfields. Car manufacture ended in 1929.

About this vehicle

This car is one of only a few Beans to survive and even fewer of the scaled down 12hp. The car is on long-term loan by one of the Vehicle Collection team.