Star automobile

[oldtool53]

Hi Folks,

A rainy Sunday afternoon here in eastern NC. A freind of mine has told me of an old Star automobile that has been sitting in the woods not far from here for a long time. I plan to go and have a look at it soon and may post some photos of whatever is left. I have never seen one at any car shows that I can think of, even Hershey. I did some research and found that they were made by the Durant company back in the twenties and had Continental engines. Has anyone ever seen one ??

Mark

[Patrick McNallen]

There is the front half of one sitting on a pole out near Abilene, Tx. It looks to be of about 1927 vintage, and looks like a Chevrolet-class car. I don't know of any others.

[sparkplug54]

There is some chat about Star auto on this site http://www.oldmarineengine.com There they say there was 3 different Star companys. I wonder if there is a relation to Star Tractors as well. Dan Sheldon

[John Davidson]

According to The "Standard Catalog of American Cars" The Star automobile was made by Durant from 1922-28 as a car to compete with the Model T Ford. A 35 HP on a 102" WB was offered all those years and a 40 HP six was offered in 1926-27. Durant produced 100,000 Stars in 1923. There still are a few around in collectors hands.

[John G. Simpson]

Many star automobiles were scrapped out for the engine. they were used in many commercial fishing boats.there were two star powered boats at fish harbor( san pedro, ca.) when we had our boat there in early 60's.
john.

[Harry]

Here's one in Durango, Colorado - Jeannie Matthews and Mr. Smith. 2004 photo by Harry.

[Alan New]

There were many companies in the early 1900's that built cars with name of Star. The best known one, Star Automoblie Co. was a division of Durant Auto Co. Willy Durant was the founder of General Motors. He left GM in the early 20's and founded the Durant Co. He designed the Star to compete with Ford's Model T and Chrysler's Maxwell/Plymouth.
Dad had a Star runabout years ago. I don't remember much about it. I recently adapted a pair of Star front wheels to a Model TT one ton truck I'm rebuilding.
I'm restoring an Aultman Star steam engine right now, but that's no relation at all.
It would really be neat if you found a car built by one of the other Star companies. That might be a really nice old brass radiator car.

Hope all this rambling helps some.

[Elden DuRand]

Originally Posted by Harry

Here's one in Durango, Colorado - Jeannie Matthews and Mr. Smith. 2004 photo by Harry.

Harry:

Mr. Smith, eh?? I thought you'd done broke her of that habit. Tell her to behave! Nyuk, nyuk!

BTW, I got the original jug for my Jack of All Trades from the son of the first owner of the engine in trade for a couple of 4.50 X 21 split rims for a 1926 Star that his dad had cut down into a pickup and used as a service truck.

The starter ring gear wore out in two places (where the 4-banger engine naturally stopped). This would make the starter gears lock occasionally. He fixed it by unbolting the 4 bolts that held the flywheel to the crankshaft and turning the wheel 1/4 turn then rebolting it. This put "fresh" teeth in the line of fire.

Take care - Elden

[20 Reeves Highwheeler]

Originally Posted by oldtool53

Hi Folks,

A rainy Sunday afternoon here in eastern NC. A freind of mine has told me of an old Star automobile that has been sitting in the woods not far from here for a long time. Has anyone ever seen one ??

Mark

Mark,
I drove one in 1964. An old friend owned a beautifully restored 1925 (?) Star Deluxe Coupe. The Deluxe Coupe had the top and rear quarters of the top covered with grain top material. I can't remember if it had "S" side irons or not, as I had a 1924 Oakland Coupe that had them and my old foggy mind doesn't always work well these days, allowing me to get confused easily.

This friend couldn't attend a local statewide old car rally and asked if I'd take it for him. I'd have rather taken his 1914 Canadian Model T Tourning Car, but was elated to be in charge of this Star for a weekend. Somewhere, I have pictures. Now I'll have to go dig.
Gary

[Bud Tierney]

Here's a Star mystery for all you Star hobbyists:
Auto'ble Qtlys 1971 book (American Cars Since 1775) lists( with gas engines):
Star 1903-4 Cleveland, OH
Star 1907-8 Indiana (later "Mier" and "Izzer" 1908-9-10)
Star 1909 Minn, Minn
Star 1910 Indianapolis, IN (one car made)
Star cyclecar 1914 LA, Cal
Star (Durant) 1922-28 Lansing, MI (all these under "Auto m'f'r's)
Star (Truck) 1914-15 Ann Arbor, Mich
Star (Truck) (Durant) (Lansing) 1922-27 (these two under "Truck m'f'r's)

Now: a 1924 piston catalog shows:
Star.......all.......(no years shown).......Cont 6Y (4cyl)
Star...70,76,N,2-21/2Ton...1919..........Cont CA-C 4 (4cyl)

So: where did that 1919 Star truck (2-21/2Ton) come from???

Incidentally, that's a really nice book; it's just names and names and addresses of builders, no thumbnail histories like Mroz, but they're on Abe Books and Alibris for $5-6 (has considerable general overview history)

PS: The Star tractor was built in Findley, OH 1917/18/19 per tractor books.