21st Nov, 2007 0:00
The Pavilion Gardens
1927 Star Vela Tourer
Estimated at £25,000 - £28,000
Lot details
Registration No: UX 842
Chassis No: B724
Mot Expiry: T.B.A.
Although rarely seen today, Star cars were in production from 1899 to 1932, and always were renowned for their build quality and above average performance. Until the final few years, each order was seen as individual, and the special requirements of every purchaser received the fullest attention. Production figures were low, inevitably resulting in high selling prices across their range of models. Despite the cost of Star cars in the 1920s - a standard 20/60hp tourer was priced at £775, much the same as comparable cars from other quality makers such as Crossley or Sunbeam - Star still steadily lost money, and was taken over by Guy Motors in 1928. Benefits gained by rationalisation of the Star range were defeated by the recession, and Star shortly disappeared.
The 20/60hp model was the top of the Star range, a touring chassis without compromise on cost or finish that would carry all types of coachwork including limousines and landaulettes. Most were bodied, as this example, by Star's own coachbuilding department, and these bodies were usually stylish and always well-built and trimmed. The 20/60 was introduced in 1925, and had a six-cylinder 3·3-litre pushrod ohv engine: on opening the bonnet, the clean design and superb finish immediately are apparent. Shortly after delivery, the engine of this example was modified to the specification of the 24/70hp Star unit, with an 80mm bore instead of the 75mm of the standard 20/60, giving a swept volume of 3620ccs and a useful increase of power. The 4-speed gearbox was in unit with the engine, and the chassis had four wheel brakes, and was conventional for the period.
UX 842 was an example of a special order, just as described above - the original purchaser, Herbert M Jameson of Bridgnorth, was a great enthusiast for touring and camping in the Alps and further afield, and various departures from the standard coachwork were carried out to his requirements. These included three rows of seats that folded flat to make a bed, now changed to the conventional layout. Additional instrumentation specified by Jameson included a Bonniksen 'time-speedometer', still present on the walnut dash, and a gradient meter. The Star was kept by the Jameson family until some 15 years ago, and was the subject of a feature article in The Automobile magazine of June 2007 (pages 49-51). Although complete and sound, the years of storage had taken their toll and subsequent owners brought this car up to its present impressive state both mechanically, and in finish.
PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle does not have a current MOT certificate.
Registration No: UX 842
Chassis No: B724
Mot Expiry: T.B.A.
Although rarely seen today, Star cars were in production from 1899 to 1932, and always were renowned for their build quality and above average performance. Until the final few years, each order was seen as individual, and the special requirements of every purchaser received the fullest attention. Production figures were low, inevitably resulting in high selling prices across their range of models. Despite the cost of Star cars in the 1920s - a standard 20/60hp tourer was priced at £775, much the same as comparable cars from other quality makers such as Crossley or Sunbeam - Star still steadily lost money, and was taken over by Guy Motors in 1928. Benefits gained by rationalisation of the Star range were defeated by the recession, and Star shortly disappeared.
The 20/60hp model was the top of the Star range, a touring chassis without compromise on cost or finish that would carry all types of coachwork including limousines and landaulettes. Most were bodied, as this example, by Star's own coachbuilding department, and these bodies were usually stylish and always well-built and trimmed. The 20/60 was introduced in 1925, and had a six-cylinder 3·3-litre pushrod ohv engine: on opening the bonnet, the clean design and superb finish immediately are apparent. Shortly after delivery, the engine of this example was modified to the specification of the 24/70hp Star unit, with an 80mm bore instead of the 75mm of the standard 20/60, giving a swept volume of 3620ccs and a useful increase of power. The 4-speed gearbox was in unit with the engine, and the chassis had four wheel brakes, and was conventional for the period.
UX 842 was an example of a special order, just as described above - the original purchaser, Herbert M Jameson of Bridgnorth, was a great enthusiast for touring and camping in the Alps and further afield, and various departures from the standard coachwork were carried out to his requirements. These included three rows of seats that folded flat to make a bed, now changed to the conventional layout. Additional instrumentation specified by Jameson included a Bonniksen 'time-speedometer', still present on the walnut dash, and a gradient meter. The Star was kept by the Jameson family until some 15 years ago, and was the subject of a feature article in The Automobile magazine of June 2007 (pages 49-51). Although complete and sound, the years of storage had taken their toll and subsequent owners brought this car up to its present impressive state both mechanically, and in finish.
PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle does not have a current MOT certificate.
Auction: The Pavilion Gardens, 21st Nov, 2007
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