1921 Bean 11.9 Tourer
No Reserve

Registration No: CJ 3936
Chassis No: 03314*
MOT: Exempt

• A tantalising project needing only partial restoration
• Last run during the summer of this year
• Equipped with unusual, possibly unique, coachwork

Manufactured by A. Harper, Sons, & Bean, Ltd. of Dudley, Bean cars were sturdy and robust machines which provided strong competition to the Austin 12s and Bullnose Morrises which dominated the medium-sized car market of the 1920s. They came into existence in 1919, and initially the plan was to offer just a single model, the 11.9hp, which utilised a conventional 1,794cc sidevalve four-cylinder engine. Much consideration was given to rationalising production and keeping costs down, and the 11.9 could be bought as a bare chassis for £325, while the popular four-seater Touring Model cost £395. Other styles offered included a two-seater Touring Model and expensive two-seater and four-seater Coupés. By 1922, eighty cars a week were leaving the factory – a large number by the standards of the time.

This 1921 Bean 11.9hp may represent a unique survivor, described in a letter from the Bean Car Club, dated in 2014, as one of the earliest Beans known to them. Almost all Beans were four-seater touring models, but ours is described on the V5C as a Landaulette, with a body tub that resembles that of the four-seater coupé. A copy of a 1921 advert from 'The Motor' lists the Landaulette as the dearest option available at £575. What is thought to be the Landaulette roof framework and canopy are included in the sale, see the last few images. Believed to have last been on the road in 2010, the Bean was briefly run earlier this year and appears largely in good order. As such, it represents a tantalising project needing only partial restoration. It is supplied with various copies of Bean magazine articles, a book on the history of Bean vehicles, an interesting lubrication chart, a few old MOTs and a current V5C.

PLEASE NOTE: The Chassis number shown in teh printed catalogue is incorrect. According to a bill of sale from 2017 it should read '03314', which matches the Bean club records, although probably due to a previous typo error, the V5C shows the engine and chassis numbers as both being 14711.

For more information, please contact:
Ian Cunningham
ian.cunningham@handh.co.uk
07415 871189