Offered for sale from a private collector in the company’s Blakc Country heartland, this Bean 12 is an example of the smallest model offered by A Harper Sons & Bean, Ltd, built at its factory in Dudley, Worcestershire, in 1925. Originally launched as the Bean 11.9 after its imperial horsepower output, it was rounded up to ‘12’ in 1924 making this one of the earliest Bean 12s registered. Less than 100 Bean cars are known to survive worldwide.
This one has been part of a private collection for many years and hasn’t been used on the road, but the vendor has returned it to running condition ready for its next owner. It’s sold as in working order, but in need of fettling before being used on the road.
Overall, the Bean is very presentable, with a gorgeous ornate dashboard and good black leather seats, which show some minor wear but which also give it a delightful patina.
It has a push-button floor start, adjustable levers for advance and retard functions and a heavy steel steering wheel. The klaxon horn works and the original Bean dog logo still adorns the dash.
The door cards are especially lovely, hand stitched with the Bean logo into the leather and in excellent order.
TR988 was restored many years ago by a member of the Chiltern Vehicle Preservation Group and although it’s an older restoration it still looks very tidy. It would benefit from some new paint on the bonnet and some polish to the nickelwork, but overall it still looks terrific and the black-painted wheels are in fine order. Underneath, the chassis appears to be in excellent order.
It will, though, require a replacement hood, the original has incurred damage during storage, possibly eaten by mice or moths. The frame is in serviceable condition but if you wish to use it with the roof up then the canvas top will require re-covering.
The 12 was Bean’s smaller model and used a 1.8-litre four-cylinder sidevalve engine, matched to a three-speed manual gearbox with a cone-type clutch. It’s not a car you can jump into and drive intuitively, but it’s in working order and was driven around the paddock by the vendor to demonstrate it running in both forwards and reverse gears.
It hasn’t been used for many years and will require some light recommissioning before being used on the road, but it was apparently used a lot for Vintage and Sports Car Club events in the 1980s and 1990s.
This is a lovely example of a car from a bygone era of motoring that now needs some gentle fettling to take it to the next level.
Nothing alarming, just a general overhaul and some minor cosmetics, plus the attentions of a roof trimmer, should be enough to give you a head-turning and truly charming vintage tourer.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
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1925 Bean 12/4
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