A 1931 Bean truck, believed to be one of only three remaining, has been snapped up at auction by Matthew and Tim Batham.
“As soon as we heard about this historic vehicle through a customer of ours, we felt we had to bring it home” said Matthew Batham.
The 1931 Bean Truck
Not only were Bean vehicles produced in The Black Country at Tipton, Dudley from 1919, but, at a time when horse and carts were the norm, Batham’s Brewery decided to buy their very first lorry – a 1928 Bean!
The Bean has therefore already played a huge part in the history of Bathams and the new acquisition will now be playing its own big part in the future of Bathams, as it is intended to be used for all sorts of promotional and charitable purposes.
But the 1931 Bean has already led a varied and exciting life of its own! It has made numerous television appearances including “The House Of Elliot” and “Brideshead Revisited”, and after a major mechanical overhaul in the 1980s, completed the Historic Commercial Vehicle Club London to Brighton run.
Amongst its notable former owners are the Historic Motoring Journalist Nick Baldwin and British Rail. Indeed it is currently painted “British Rail Brown” from its time with British Rail during the 1980s.
Bathams are now planning to have it renovated by a local restorer and repainted in the Bathams livery, ready for a brand new life.
