James Beach and Co
of Taunton
See James Beach
1899 Produced the Beach steam van of 28.5cwt.[1]
c1900 'I think probably the first car made in Taunton was made by Messrs. J. Beach & Co., at what was called the Pioneer Motor Works. St. James' street. It was steam motor-car which could be used as a waggonette or delivery van for fairly heavy goods. They also owned at this time four other cars which were frequently seen about the streets of Taunton...'[2]
1906 '...Taunton has always taken a prominent position in motor industry. Messrs. James Beach and Sons, of St. James’s-street, Taunton, may rightly be considered as the pioneers of this mechanical industry in the county town. Mr. James Beach, the head the firm, started his in Taunton just under 30 years ago, and for several years it will be remembered carried on the Pioneer Electric Works in East Reach. Subsequently he took his two sons, Newton and Percy Beach, into partnership with him, and for some time they have now carried on their business as motors experts motor matters at St. James’ Taunton. Messrs. Beach and Sons were the first to take up and undertake the motor business in the town, and now, after ten years’ practical experience in this important branch of industry, they naturally pride themselves on their ability and success in this department. It is something to be able to say that during all the years the father and his sons have been driving many thousands of miles throughout the country, none of them have met with an accident, which, if not quite, is almost a record. Mr. Newton Beach, who has had six years’ in London, driving about the Metropolis and other parts, has very pleasing testimonial from the Motor Mart Company, Ltd., Easton-road, the firm he was with; and among other kind things and regretting his leaving them, they make mention of the fact that, during the whole time he was with them he never had an accident with a car.... (later mentions they sell Panhard cars)'[3]