
Toby Wilson
Head of Department
LOT 460
1923 Bean 11.9hp Tourer Registration no. BU 2789 Chassis no. 519824
Established component suppliers to the British motor industry, the Staffordshire-based firm of Harper Sons & Bean had turned its Dudley and Tipton factories over to munitions production during the Great War. With hostilities at an end, the company turned to motor manufacturing, acquiring the rights to the pre-war Perry 11.9hp from Willys-Overland. The Perry/Bean was powered by a 1,796cc sidevalve four with fixed cylinder head, which drove via a cone clutch, separate three-speed gearbox, and spiral bevel rear axle. At the end of 1920, the company was wound up, re-emerging some twelve months later in reconstituted form. The 'Twelve' was still the mainstay of production and would remain so until 1927. The last Bean passenger cars were made in 1929.
The present owner acquired this restored Bean in May 2000 to enjoy with his family (invoice on file). Unfortunately, the rear axle failed, resulting in a replacement (and therefor non-original) axle being fabricated. In good overall condition and ready to enjoy, the car comes with two box files containing current and former V5 registration documents; owner's handbook; spare parts catalogue (photocopy); Bean Car Club literature; some past MoTs; assorted photographs; and various invoices for work carried out by current and former owners. A house move and the resultant downsizing means that it is time to find the Bean a new home.
Vendor Score Total: 76 /100
Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.
Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well
EXTERIOR TOTAL: 20 /25
Body Work: 4
Paint: 4
Glass: 4
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 4
Wheels/Tyres: 4
RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 16 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 4
Axles: 4
Suspension: 4
Brakes: 4
INTERIOR TOTAL: 16 /20
Seats: 4
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 4
Headlining: 4
Trim: 4
ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 8 /10
Main components: 4
Ancillary components: 4
ENGINE TOTAL: 13 /20
Starting: 3
Running: 3
Under Bonnet: 4
Mechanical components: 3
Car History File: 3




























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