Description
26th Oct, 2024 10:00
The October 2024 Auction
1928 Hadfield Bean 14/ 45 Tourer
Believed to be the only example in existence
Estimate
£17, 000 - £19, 000
Buyer's premium: 15. 00%
Lot details
Registration: PK 3576
Chassis: B94484
Odometer: 09329
Transmission: Manual
MOT: Exempt
Rare vintage tourer in fine condition with an interesting known history since 1936
Believed to be the only one in existence
Supplied with the original buff logbook
Four wheel brakes
Fully operational hood and supplied with weather gear
Matching Firestone tyres with side-mounted spare wheel
Complete with rear luggage case
Offered with magazine articles, sales poster, and list of spare parts
The Hadfield Bean was only made for two years, and the production run was not high. Thus, and being the only model known to exist, it is rare. In fact, we believe, unique.
The history can be traced back to 1936 when it was owned by a Londoner, which may not be surprising as the Company had a showroom in London. Then came an accident in 1944 where it collided with a horse and cart in the London blackouts and it remained off the road until 1968. Following a sale in 1974, it was restored over the next four years in Isleworth. In 1991 it found its way to an owner in Hertford and then, in 1995, to an owner in Alcester. Another change of ownership found it in Ayrshire and on to Lanarkshire.
The history of the Bean Car company is well covered in the Veteran and Vintage section of The Automobile magazine of October 1983 and the car itself was featured in The Automobile magazine in November 1983. It reappears in The Automobile magazine of March 2009 and copies of all of these magazines are included in the sale. Also included are an original owner’s handbook, original sales poster, a complete list of spare parts, a copy of the Bean Bulletin from March 1928 and a ‘buff’ logbook with the earliest stamp dated January 1943.
This Hadfield Bean is in remarkable condition throughout, the bodywork and paintwork are superb and have to be seen in person to be truly appreciated. The hood and weather gear are free from noticeable marks and scuffs.
Inside, the seats are draped with lovely brown leather with red carpets. The door card pocket has a leather cover with the letter ‘B’ embossed on them, which is a lovely touch. There is also a vent under the rear passenger seats which blows out hot and cold air, a feature way ahead of its time.
This is a fabulous chance to acquire a unique, pre-war vehicle with a lovely history. This rare example would grace any collection with ease and deserves to be used and cherished for another 96 years.
