Lot 18: Durant 6/19 Sedan

The Durant marque ran from 1921 through to 1932 and took the name of its founder, W C Durant, a former president of General Motors. The works at Muncie, Indiana, offered a range of conventional yet soundly engineered motor cars which sold well, and by the second year of trading, some 55,000 cars had found homes. As the 1930s dawned, Durant introduced new 6-cylinder models which were to offer remarkable value, being sold below $1000. These cars were to become noted for their durability, comfort and style, as well as value. Powered by Continental L-Head engines with a 3-speed transmission, 6-cylinder Durants were naturally enough to prove very popular. However, the Depression was to take its toll and, as with so many independent manufacturers, Durant were hit hard, and from 1931 the company's sole offering was the 6/19 Sedan which sold for just $695 that year. This example of the 6/19 Sedan is very smartly finished in dark blue with beige cloth upholstery. We understand that the car was imported into the UK from the state of West Virginia in 1972 and although both the certificate of assignment and the UK registration form show that the car is of 1930 manufacture, it is, apparently, actually a 1931 model according to the Durant records, as the 6/19 was only built during 1931 and early 1932. The car is understood to be in very good condition and the engine is said to start first time, every time. During the current owner's custody the car has been well cared for and recent replacements have been the plugs, points, starter motor and ring gear, along with the renewal of the starter switch and fitment of a new battery. The car is now offered for sale due to further additions to the vendor's stable.