Description
The Bean 12 HP was a car produced by the British manufacturer Bean Cars Ltd in the 1920s, following the success of their earlier models like the Bean 11.9 HP. Introduced in 1924, the Bean 12 HP was designed to be a more powerful and refined version of its predecessor, offering improved performance and a slightly more upscale driving experience.
The car was powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that produced 12 horsepower, hence its name. This engine provided a modest increase in power over the 11.9 HP model, making the Bean 12 HP a bit more capable on the road, especially for longer journeys and more challenging driving conditions of the time. The car was built on a traditional ladder-frame chassis, with a focus on durability and ease of maintenance.
Available in various body styles, including saloons, tourers, and coupes, the Bean 12 HP offered versatility to meet different customer needs. The interior of the car was simple yet practical, with functional controls and straightforward design, aiming to provide a comfortable yet no-frills driving experience.
Despite its solid engineering and the reputation of Bean Cars, the Bean 12 HP faced stiff competition from larger, more established manufacturers. The financial difficulties that plagued Bean Cars Ltd eventually led to a decline in production, and the company was absorbed by other businesses in the late 1920s. The Bean 12 HP remains a symbol of the early 20th-century British automotive industry, representing the aspirations and challenges of smaller car manufacturers during that period.