I love cars with interesting stories and history! This pair of Star Motor Company Model Fs not only have their own interesting history, the company that built them has a good story all it’s own. If you haven’t heard of the Star Motor Company of California, that’s probably because they only built cars from 1922 to 1928. You might have heard of Star’s parent company though, Durant Motors, which also owned the Locomobile and Flint brands. Durant was based out of Michigan and while Star claimed to be based out of California, from what I’ve found they really were run from the same offices as Durant’s other brands. This pair are actually located in California though and while they are in very rough shape, they are also 90 years old. One of the cars was in a barn fire and there’s really not much left, while the other is more complete but is an unfinished project. Star built a number of models in it’s short 6 year life. These two are Model Fs, which were targeted at Ford Model T buyers. They were a little more expensive than a T, but had more power. The seller is offering both cars here on eBay with bidding opening at $7,250, which could be a good deal or overpriced. It’s hard to know what values really are for a car like this. It is rare compared to a T, but not rare enough or desirable enough to be worth serious money. What do you think this duo is worth?
I actually saw a Star in a museum long ago. They’re fairly nice looking cars, very similar to a Durant which isn’t suprising. The Star was a ‘made’ car, being assembled from pre-existing parts, many from Durant.
As far as what these are worth? Errr…there’s not much there and anything needed would have to be hand made so I’m thinking more on the line of parts for another project. And for that I’d think more along the $2500-5k range…
Any pre-WWII car is rare compared to the 15 million Ford Model T’s that were built. But Durant’s effort to compete head on with Henry Ford’s T with the Star hopefully will be recognized with a restoration of this F model. $7,250 is out of the market given the work that must be done. Maybe $2,000 for both.
Wow, have to use your imagination on this one. In a feature on Hemmings a few years ago, a ’26 model F was featured for $14,500. The Durant Motors Automobile Club, lists the number of “F” models enrolled as zero, so it’s a rare car indeed. As far as these particular cars, way too far gone, and might help a Star restorer to complete their car.
http://www.hemmings.com/hmn/stories/2013/01/01/hmn_feature11.html
Sadly these are just scrap metal and only worth scrap prices.
parts cars at best, there is nothing to “restore” to far gone.
They’re better than scrap, but not by much. These would probably have been worth more 25 years ago.
I agree, today this lot is probably $2K at most. And that’s if the right buyer can be found. This would be a very, very specialist project. But I hope someone does take it on, because if they are as rare as they seem to be it would be a shame to lose them forever.
Actually, they will cost more to transport than they are worth. Take whatever you can.