Lot 150 - Circa 1923 Durant Runabout Star Four Tourer
| Lot Number | 150 |
| Registration | BF 4881 |
| Chassis Number | 28165 |
| Engine Number | Tbc |
| Estimate | £18,000 - £23,000 |
Having been forced out of General Motors, a company he founded, William C Durant began rebuilding his automotive empire, incorporating Durant Motors in New York in January 1921. Competing with the mid-priced Chevrolet, the company's first product was the 35hp four-cylinder Model A, which was joined the following year by the 70hp six-cylinder B-22. Built in the former Sheridan plant at Muncie, Indiana and powered by an Ansted engine, the B-22 was catalogued for just three years (1922-1924) and today survivors are rare. In 1922, Durant introduced the Star, intended as competition for the Ford Model T, and later that year acquired the bankrupt Locomobile, which gained him entry into the luxury car market sector. Following the General Motors policy of offering cars in every price bracket, Durant continued to expand, introducing the Chrysler-competitor Flint in 1923 and establishing the Mason Truck Company. Like many of his contemporaries, Durant was crippled by the Wall Street Crash of October 1929. Production plummeted and despite receiving approximately $90 million of its owner's own money, Durant Motors was gone by 1933.
This Durant Runabout has had an interesting life having been converted to a pick-up at some stage; she was then re-bodied into the Tourer format we see today. This righthand drive Durant has VSCC documents and is eligible for hills climbs which the vendor has used her for. These two-seaters with a Dickie seat are great cars and quite versatile, hence the popularity in using them for eligible events. We are advised by the vendor that this car runs well with no known faults and is supplied with a V5C registration document.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.