1931 Star Comet Tourer

Lot details
Registration No: JW 996
Chassis No: LDS21
Mot Expiry: T.B.A.

New for the 1932 season was the Star `Comet 14', to join the existing `Comet 18', `Comet 21' and `Planet 24' in the Star Motor Company of Wolverhampton's model range. They were advertised as `The Most Completely Equipped Cars on the Road', but the old-established firm's brave publicity came at a time when it was in severe financial difficulty. By March 1932, the Official Receiver was to be called in, to herald the demise of this pioneer British make. The first Star was on the road in 1898 and by 1910, the firm's reputation was well-established with a range of well-made models from 10hp to 40hp. In the 1920s, Star customers were people who were willing to pay rather more than was absolutely necessary for a car of a specific horsepower, and in return they received one with considerable extra distinction and where no economies with materials or finish had been made. The `Comet 14' had a 2100cc six-cylinder OHV engine, with SU carburettor, a single plate clutch and four-speed gearbox with `silent third' gear. Bendix-Perrot brakes were fitted, whilst the chassis specification was conventional for a car of its class and time. It was the extra equipment originally supplied as standard that lifted the Star chassis out of the ordinary. This included the Stevenson built-in hydraulic jacking system, Luvax hydraulic shock absorbers, Marles steering and body luxuries such as full instrumentation and the Star patent signalling window for the driver. The quality of the Star was reflected in its price - the saloon cost £345 when the equivalent Morris model cost over £100 less.

Surviving factory records show that this example was ordered on October 1st 1931 and delivered as a six-light saloon on December 2nd to a Mr L E Taylor of Norfolk Street, Kings Lynn. It was finished in black with cream wheels and a cream coachline, `as per the Show car', and upholstered in brown furniture hide. Despite this, the 1970s saw it standing out, still in Norfolk, as a derelict chassis with the body almost completely rotted away. The chassis was sound, and once that was restored, in 1988 the car went to the Cooke Group of Leicester who designed and built the period-style four-seater tourer body now fitted, and completed the refurbishment. The Star comes with a full set of weather equipment. Accepted as a `Post-vintage Thoroughbred' by the Vintage Sports-Car Club, this Star is an executors' sale, and the vendors' agent states that the coachwork and paintwork are "excellent". The desirable registration mark and number might have to be reactivated as the car has spent recent years in the Irish Republic.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle does not have a current or past V5 registration document as it has been in Ireland. However, the registration number JW 996 displayed on the car is showing on the DVLA system for this vehicle.