Bean 14 HP
Car : Bean 14 HP
Year : 1926
Engine : 4 cylinders in line
Bore and stroke :75×135 mm
Cylinder capacity : 2385 cc
Gears : 4 forward
Brake horse power : 32
Maximum speed : 50 mph
Wheelbase : 9 ft 2½ ins (2.80 m)
Suspension : front and back: semi- elliptic leaf- springs
Bean only had a short life as a car company (from the end of the First World War to 1931), but its origins date back to 1826, when A. Harper Sons and Bean Ltd started doing hot forging and foundry work. The first modern Bean vehicle dates from 1919. It had a 11.9 bhp engine with side valves, designed and built in modest numbers by Perry, of which Bean had bought the manufacturing rights.

The 14 HP, first produced in 1924, had an engine with detachable head and three main bearings, and could do 50 mph. In 1925 the standard production model was equipped with brakes on all four wheels. Bean also collaborated with Fiat England, supplying it with bodywork for imported Fiat 501 chassis.
Rather than relying on traditional races, the company concentrated more on rallies to advertise its cars. Its most successful venture was in 1927 when Francis Birtles crossed Australia in a 14 HP. The drive began in London, and also took in India and Indo-China, which caused considerable difficulties and stress for both cars and driver. The solidity of Bean cars can quite justifiably be attributed to the work of one of the founders in 1826. The only Bean sports car was the 1929 Hatfield Bean 14/70 HP.