1927 Bean 18/50 Fabric Bodied Saloon - Black and Maroon - 43,479 Miles - 2.7L Meadows Six, Same Owner 60+ Years, Exceptional Documentation
1927 Bean 18/50 Fabric Bodied Saloon, Rear Wheel Drive, 2.7L Inline 6-Cylinder Petrol (Meadows), Manual Transmission, Indicating 43,479 Miles, 5 Seats
Description
The Bean Motor Company of Tipton, Staffordshire was one of Britain's early mass-production car makers, but production ceased in 1929 and surviving examples today are extraordinarily rare. The 18/50 was Bean's flagship model, powered by a 2.7-litre overhead-valve inline six-cylinder engine built by Henry Meadows Ltd, the same firm that supplied engines to the Invicta and other prestigious marques of the era. The fabric-bodied saloon construction, where leathercloth was stretched over a timber frame, was a common and lightweight design feature of the 1920s. Very few Bean 18/50s survive worldwide, and finding one in this condition with this provenance is a genuinely rare event.
This example has been in the hands of a single custodian for over 60 years, and that careful stewardship is evident. Presented in a handsome three-tone colour scheme of deep burgundy/maroon, cream, and black fabric upper body, the car has been comprehensively restored to a high standard. The paintwork on the metal panels shows excellent depth and gloss. The black fabric upper cabin is taut and smooth with no visible tears, sagging, or deterioration. The interior is trimmed in navy blue leather with horizontal fluted pleating, complemented by a cream headliner and dark-stained timber window cappings. The Smiths speedometer reads 43,479 miles. The brass headlamps, nickel radiator surround with fine honeycomb mesh grille, and period luggage trunk bearing "Bean Cars Ltd" lettering and a Union Jack emblem are all beautifully presented. A coachbuilder's plate on the body confirms "Carriage Work by Bean Cars Ltd, Tipton, Staffs, England," verifying the body is factory original to the chassis. The car is reported to be in running and driving condition.
The sale includes an outstanding documentation package: the original owner's handbook, correspondence from the Bean Owners Club of Australia and England, newspaper clippings featuring the car, and historical research materials linking the vehicle to Australian motoring heritage. A comparable Bean 18/50 was listed on Classic Trader (UK) for GBP 104,712, and a Super Sports variant sold at Historics Auctioneers. With so few survivors in existence, market comparables are scarce, which only underscores the rarity and collector significance of this lot.
Features
* 2.7-litre inline 6-cylinder OHV petrol engine (Henry Meadows Ltd)
* Manual transmission
* Rear-wheel drive
* Fabric-bodied four-door saloon (leathercloth over timber frame)
* Navy blue leather interior with horizontal fluted pleating
* Cream fabric headliner
* Dark-stained timber window surrounds and capping rails
* Braided rope assist straps with brass fittings
* Smiths speedometer and period instrument cluster (ammeter, oil pressure, clock)
* Polished brass drum-style headlamps on stalks
* Nickel-plated radiator surround with fine honeycomb mesh grille
* Bean enamel radiator badge and mascot
* Coachbuilder's plate: "Carriage Work by Bean Cars Ltd, Tipton, Staffs, England"
* Period luggage trunk with "Bean Cars Ltd" lettering, Union Jack emblem, and brass fittings
* Named "Boadicea Coach"
* Dunlop artillery-style disc wheels with chrome hub caps and red Bean badges
* Original owner's handbook included
* Bean Owners Club correspondence (Australia and England)
* Newspaper clippings and historical documentation package
* Vendor advises running and driving condition
* Same custodian for over 60 years
Condition Notes
* Instruments appear largely original and unrestored with honest patina (speedometer face shows age-related wear)
* No keys supplied at Carrara location
Specifications
Year: 1927
Make/Model: Bean 18/50
Body: Fabric Bodied 4-Door Saloon
Engine: 2.7L Inline 6-Cylinder Petrol (Meadows)
Transmission: Manual
Drive: Rear Wheel Drive
Odometer: Indicating 43,479 Miles
Colour: Black and Maroon
Seats: 5
Location: 69 Manchester Road, Carrara, QLD
Chassis No: 39775
Engine No: 6416
If you have any questions relating to this vehicle, or if you would like to arrange a physical or virtual inspection, please contact Frank directly on 0437 801 313
(Key #no keys Carrara)
Lloyds stock #657419+1
#CCALL
#CCEUR
Location of item: 69 Manchester Road, Carrara, QLD, Australia
** This vendor is not registered for GST - therefore GST is not applicable on this asset **
As Standard Auction Practice all Vehicles are Sold Unregistered
As with all vehicles sold in the Classic Car Division, they have been well looked after by their previous owners. This is an Auction Sale. This asset is sold under standard auction conditions, as is, where is. High volumes of incoming product prevent our team from being able to inspect all items individually. All photos, descriptions, odometer readings, hour readings, engine specifications and any condition reports should be used as a guide only and have been compiled after speaking with the owners. To find out more about this lot or to book a live video inspection please contact the Auctioneer Contact which can be found on the Auction Details page. There is no statutory warranty & no cooling off period.
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