Classic Car Wiki

Introduction to Bean

The Bean car company was a British automobile manufacturer that operated between 1919 and 1929. Known formally as Harper, Sons and Bean Ltd, the firm emerged from a pre-war engineering and foundry business and entered car production during the post–World War I boom. Bean built sturdy, straightforward cars and light commercial vehicles but struggled in a highly competitive market, eventually ceasing production before the Great Depression.

Origins as an Engineering Firm (Pre-1914)

The company began life in the late 19th century as Bean Engineering and Foundry Company in Tipton, Staffordshire. Founded by A. Harper, Sons & Co., it was primarily a manufacturer of castings, forgings, and other metal components. By the early 20th century, Bean was supplying parts to several British motor manufacturers.

Pre-War Automotive Involvement

Before making complete cars, Bean built components such as crankshafts, engine blocks, and gearboxes for other marques, giving the company a solid foundation in precision engineering.

World War I and Expansion

During World War I, Bean expanded dramatically to supply munitions, military equipment, and vehicle components to the British war effort. The company’s facilities were enlarged, and its workforce grew significantly.

Transition to Car Production

After the war, with its expanded plant and workforce, Bean sought to enter the booming car market by producing complete vehicles under its own name. The company acquired the designs and tooling of the pre-war Perry car and adapted them for mass production.

Bean Cars Launch (1919)

In 1919, the first Bean-branded cars were introduced — the Bean 11.9 hp and Bean 14 hp models. These were conventional, robust touring cars aimed at the middle-class buyer.

Design and Features

• Front-mounted four-cylinder engines.
• Simple ladder-frame chassis.
• Open tourer and saloon body styles.
• Reliable and easy to maintain, though conservative in design.

Rapid Growth and Exports

Post-war demand for cars was high, and Bean initially prospered. The company exported vehicles to markets in the British Empire, including Australia, South Africa, and India.

Public Listing and Ambitions

In the early 1920s, Bean became a public company, investing heavily in modern machinery to mass-produce cars in larger volumes — aiming to compete with the likes of Austin, Morris, and Ford.

Challenges and Decline

By the mid-1920s, the post-war car boom slowed, and competition intensified. Bean struggled with:

• Outdated designs compared to newer rivals.
• High production costs and limited economies of scale.
• Price competition from larger manufacturers.

Financial Problems

In 1926, financial difficulties forced Bean to seek outside investment. The engineering conglomerate Hadfields Ltd acquired a controlling interest, and the company’s focus began shifting toward commercial vehicles.

Commercial Vehicles and Final Years

While car production declined, Bean continued to produce light trucks, vans, and buses, which found steady buyers. However, the company could not regain its earlier momentum in the passenger car market.

End of Car Production

In 1929, Bean ceased passenger car manufacturing entirely. The firm continued making commercial vehicles into the 1930s before the name gradually disappeared from the market.

Legacy of the Bean Car Company

Although Bean’s time as a car manufacturer was brief, it played a role in Britain’s post–World War I automotive expansion. Surviving Bean cars are rare today but are cherished by vintage car enthusiasts for their historical significance and sturdy engineering.

Collector and Club Support

• The Bean Car Club in the UK supports restoration and preservation.
• Examples of Bean 11.9 hp and 14 hp models can be seen at vintage rallies and classic car shows.
• The company’s story reflects the boom-and-bust nature of the early British car industry.

Conclusion

The Bean car company rose quickly in the optimistic post-war years but could not adapt fast enough to a rapidly changing industry. Its brief existence as a car maker left behind a small but important chapter in Britain’s motoring heritage, remembered through the few surviving vehicles and the enthusiasts who keep the marque alive.