Offered from the Golden State Muscle Car Collection
1923 Star Model C Touring Car

The Quail Auction|16 August 2024, 11:00 PDT|Carmel, Quail Lodge & Golf Club

1923 Star Model C Touring Car
Chassis no. C13227
Engine no. 57733

130.4ci L-head Continental 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Carburetor
33bhp
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Solid Front Axle, Live Rear Axle Semi-Elliptic Springs
Rear-Wheel Mechanical Drum Brakes

*Conceived by Billy Durant as a Model T fighter
*Part of Durant Motors from 1923-1928
*A rare and handsome touring car
*Well preserved restoration
*Popular in its day, with some 75,000 built
*Robust and dependable Continental engine
*Conventional controls, a breeze to drive
*Formerly part of the Bill Harrah Collection

THE CAR OFFERED

Not long after William C. 'Billy' Durant was exiled from General Motors – the company which he had founded – he set to work building a new empire, the Durant Motors Company. Star was a sub-brand of Durant Motors, intended to be a competitor to Ford's ubiquitous Model T. Like many of Durant's later endeavors, the Star was an assembled car, constructed using components provided by outside suppliers, namely Continental, who supplied the four-cylinder engines. While relatively unknown today, the Star performed respectively in the market despite butting up against the might of Ford and General Motors, selling over 350,000 cars in its short, 5-year history.

Reported to be formerly of the famous William F. "Bill" Harrah collection, this 1923 Star Model C Tourer from the Golden State Muscle Car Collection is a lovely example of Durant's Model T fighter. Tidy and authentically presented, it is a wonderful alternative to the more common Fords and Chevrolets. With its robust little Continental L-head four-cylinder engine and conventional 3-speed gearbox, it is also a breeze to drive, making it a great choice as a fun, approachable family classic.

Additional information

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Automobilia removal, storage and shipping charges will be charged by World Air & Ocean Services, Inc according to its standard rates and ultimate destination of the lot(s). For applicable charges, please consult with World Air & Ocean Services, Inc in advance of purchase. Purchased lots become the buyer's risk once the hammer falls. Storage, collection, and uplift for paid and unpaid lot removal is at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Overseas buyers are strongly advised to make collection arrangements with Bonhams in advance of the auction. Buyers may have an authorised agent collect their purchases according to the collection deadline. It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that their designated agent has the auction venue details, bill of lading showing where the lot will be transported and proof of the buyer authorization for collection of the lot(s). Bonhams will release the lot only once all payment requirements have been met including payment of taxes and any applicable fees. Buyers and/or their agent are responsible for collecting all available parts, logbooks, title, keys and any other accompanying documents.
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Representatives of Bonhams|Cars preferred carriers are available to provide shipping quotes and transport information.
Domestic Motorcar Transport:
Passport Auto Transport
Contact: Ed Watts, +1 (417) 588 4921 or
mobile +1 (314) 496 6228
[email protected]
International Motorcar and Motorcycle Transporters:
Schumacher Cargo Logistics
Schumacher Secure
Contact: Warren Barnes, +1 (310) 626 7117
[email protected]
CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation Services)
Contact: Denise Rodriguez, +1 (305) 849 9326
[email protected]
Automobilia:
World Air & Ocean Services, Inc
Contact: Richard Ming
+1 (415) 860 3163
[email protected]
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