">
2015 Shannons Sydney Spring Classic Auction
Lot
22

1924 Star Mercury 6cyl Tourer

$44,000

Sold

Specifications

Engine In-Line 6-cylinder, 3.0L
Gearbox 4-speed manual
Body Work Tourer
Colour Brown/Black
Interior Brown
Trim Leather
Wheels Wire-spoked
Brakes Drums

Description

This lot is no longer available

Founded by the Lisle family in 1883, Star originally produced bicycles before expanding into automobile production in the final years of the 19th Century, initially powered by 3.5 hp Benz engines built under licence. Like Sunbeam, Star was a Wolverhampton based firm that enjoyed a reputation as a high quality car maker. Right from the outset export markets were seen as crucial to the company's success, with Star's first overseas sale the shipment of a car to New Zealand in 1899 and the Antipodes became a key market over ensuing decades. Star cars proved their worth in reliability trials and even took part in competition, including the qualifying races for the 1904 Gordon Bennett Cup. From 1904 onwards all Stars were powered by four cylinder engines, joined by a large capacity six in 1906 and the range expanded to include commercial vans and trucks in the lead up to the First World War. Post-war production resumed in 1919, initially with the 3-litre 15.9 hp and 3.8-litre 20.1 hp side-valve four-cylinder models, along with the smaller 11.9 hp from 1921 and related 10/12 hp Briton, a cheaper derivative that lasted only until 1922. Following the death of Edward Lisle in 1921, the Star Company struggled to make a profit despite strong sales in the period, with annual production reaching around 1000 cars. In 1922 a new six-cylinder model, the 18/40 hp, was announced, featuring a four-speed gearbox with central change, a spiral bevel back axle and semi-elliptic suspension. A more powerful 20/50 hp model arrived soon afterwards and remained in production until 1927. Four-wheel brakes became optional in 1924 and were standardised the following year and the 20/50 was capable of an impressive 70 mph top speed. Unfortunately the high price continued to hold back sales, with an estimated 250 six-cylinder cars built of all types built between 1923 and 1927. Star's days were numbered and a takeover by Guy Motors in 1927 did nothing to prevent the decline, one that ultimately saw a receiver appointed in 1932.