• Powerful Brighton Runner, equipped with full weather protection
• Numerous successful completions of the London to Brighton Run, including 2022
• Well known to the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain (VCC dated)
• Proven tour car, including Teuf-Teuf Compiegne 2021
• Extensive mechanical refurbishment

Based at St Denis, Seine, Ateliers de Construction Mécanique l'Aster was best known for engine manufacture, supplying many of the infant motor industry's smaller manufacturers. France, of course, led the world in motor car development in the early years of the 20th Century, and Aster was there at the forefront. Commencing motor car manufacture in 1900, the firm displayed a 3½hp quadri-cycle at that year's Paris Salon. Engine sizes were progressively developed and multi-cylinder engines soon followed. In the UK, the West-Aster and Whitlock-Aster were built in small numbers, while quality French manufacturers such as Aries and Gladiator were major Aster customers.

There are few London to Brighton-eligible cars that tick as many of the right boxes as this magnificent 1904 Aster. Four cylinders, mechanically operated valves, four-speed gearbox, five-seat coachwork, and an engine of around 2.7 litres capacity, to which it adds a windscreen, canopy, and roll-down side screens. Each of the engine's four cylinders is separately cast with T-head valve configuration, and fuel is supplied via a Zenith carburettor. A later distributor has been fitted for reliability, and the car also enjoys the benefit of a self-starter.

Fittingly, the body carries the builder's plate of Carrosserie Automobile Renaudin Fils Besson, like Aster, being also Paris based, and, although not original to this car, was acquired by a previous owner as a perfect match to an exceedingly good Veteran chassis. Remarkably, this period coachwork retains much original upholstery to the rear, while the varnished wooden panelling has survived over 100 years in remarkably intact condition.

Looking every bit the archetypal big horsepower Veteran, the car is extremely handsome in black livery with plentiful varnished woodwork, including the wheels, and is generously equipped with brass fittings throughout, while the roll-down side curtains hang from the canopy to provide full protection in inclement weather. The headlamps are majestic Ducellier units, self-contained acetylene, complemented by oil side lamps. Additional equipment includes a bulb horn, four dashboard oilers, and a Shaffer & Budenberg pressure gauge.

Its presentation today reflects ownership in the past two decades by a series of knowledgeable and active touring enthusiasts, who have refurbished, refined and maintained the car. Significant work carried out in the late 2000s comprised renewing the wheel bearings; fitting a drip-feed oiler to the brass timing gear case; altering the alternator drive to charge the battery more efficiently; rebuilding the water pump with a new impeller; re-manufacturing the rear axle and fitting new shackles and shackle pins; rebuilding the transmission chain tension rods; relining the clutch and restoring the clutch brake mechanism; fitting a new clutch brake lining and new brake disc to the flywheel; restoring the driveshaft and flexible link to the flywheel; overhauling the carburettor with a re-manufactured jet; re-coring the radiator; and re-trimming the interior in black leather.

The practical nature of this London to Brighton-eligible Aster and its suitability for long distance motoring is evidenced by its participation in events around the world over the course of the last two decades in the hands of its enthusiast owners. These included the Paris-Vienna Rally (2002); an epic drive from Brisbane to Sydney, Australia (2005); and the successful completion of the 1,000 Miles Trial Re-enactment (2000).

Purchased at a Bonhams auction some years ago, with discerning Veteran car-collector ownerships since, the car in more recent times has participated in events such as the Oldtimer Weekend Rally, Leliestad (2018 and 2019), Bassano del Grappa Rally (2019), and the Teuf-Teuf Compigne Rally (2021). Throughout, and with barely an exception, this car has been entered and successfully completed the annual London to Brighton Runs, even 'virtually' by distance in 2020! Most recently, on the most challenging of runs in 2022, the Aster swiftly made it to Brighton without issue.

This car has been known to the Veteran Car Club for many years and was officially dated in September 1961 (Certificate number '904'). A copy of that certificate forms part of the accompanying history file, which also contains various photographs, expired MoT certificates, and correspondence with previous owners. It was previously registered in the UK as 'AK 268' and remains on the UK registration system. The V5C Registration Certificate is on file together with a copy of the 1904 Yorkshire registration records showing the Aster registered as 'AK 268'.

One of the most practical Brighton cars, and comfortably able to accommodate four or more passengers, this magnificent Aster has a proven ability to carve its way through the field and achieve an early finish on the seafront at Madeira Drive. What better way to arrive at Brighton - come rain or come shine - and all this backed up by the cacophony of sound that comes from a powerful engine with final drive by chains.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.