Bean Model 12 Roadster

About the Bean Model 12 Roadster

The Bean Motor Company grew out of the ironfounders A. Harper & Sons which was founded in Dudley by Absolom Harper in 1822. George Bean married Absolom's granddaughter and in 1901 became principal shareholder of A. Harper & Sons. In 1907 George became chairman of the company and the name was changed to A. Harper & Sons & Bean.

The company had been a supplier of car parts and in 1911 the company installed drop hammers to increase production and in 1912 the company opened a new forging plant in Smethwick. During this period George Bean served as mayor of Dudley in 1908, 1911 and 1912