(Continued from page 18)

larger Bean 14 was launched and one year later the line included four models several of which became popular in Australia. That same year Bean diversified into commercial vehicles producing a lorry, ambulance, coach, and light bus based upon Bean 14 underpinnings.

Sadly, company chairman George Bean died in 1924. Jack Bean went on a world tour to promote the company’s products but upon returning he resigned to join the board of Guy Motors. Despite this, progress under new ownership continued and 1927 saw the introduction of the Bean 18/50. Then in 1928 the Hadfield Bean 14/40 which was followed by the 14/45. Up to this time Bean had a reputation for producing reliable vehicles. Unfortunately, the trouble plagued 14/45 put an end to all that. By 1929 mo re cars were being returned to the factory with faults than were being produced. As a result, Bean Car production ended in 1929 and the company went into liquidation in 1931.

A new chapter was started in 1933 when Bean Industries was launched to produce castings for the motor industry. This proved to be a very lucrative decision and what started as A. Harper, Sons & Bean in 1919 survived 86 years including ownership by Standard Triumph, Leyland Motors, British Leyland, and finally Ferrotech. They produced their final casting on September 30 th, 2005, and the business was finally wound up. As for that land speed record car, it was called Thunderbolt, but that’s a story for another time.




Editor Note: Article previously published in British Boots and Bonnets newsletter, November 2022