1926 Bean 14hp Commercial Pickup

Registration no. PX 4222 Chassis no. B371534

Odometer reading: TBA
MOT Expiry: Exempt

*Previously restored
*Good history file
*Useable condition

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Originally founded in 1822 as an iron foundry, Harper & Sons proceeded to diversify in 1907 after George Bean became the company chairman. The name of the firm was changed to Harper & Sons & Bean, and the company then began to diversify and produce components for the British motor industry. Following the outbreak of WWI however, the company then focused its Dudley and Tipton factories to munition production. Following the end of the war, the firm then returned to motor manufacturing in 1919 and acquired the rights to the pre-war Perry 11.9hp from Willys-Overland. The Perry was powered by a 1,796cc side-valve four with fixed cylinder head, which drove via a cone clutch, separate three-speed gearbox, and spiral bevel rear axle. Sadly the Perry never achieved the planned production targets, and the company was then wound up in 1920. A year later in 1921 however, the firm was revived with a new model known as the Twelve – which would remain in production until 1927. That same year, Harper-Bean (as it had become known), was taken over by steel supplier Hadfield's of Sheffield, after which the cars were then marketed as Hadfield-Bean.

This 1926 14hp example was originally bodied as a five-seater Tourer, however in 1927 it was converted into a commercial pickup truck. In 1998 the vehicle was acquired by Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway, who restored the car and featured it in their collection. The vehicle is largely original, bar a newer 1.6 Ford Pinto engine and gearbox. A new owner then acquired the vehicle in 2010, where it was professionally stored and serviced annually. The current owner purchased the vehicle from a Bonhams auction in 2017, and has used it regularly and ensured that it has been kept in a good and roadworthy condition. A copy of the restoration notes, owners handbook, and various historical documents are also included with the sale. The engine is running and driving well.