A Vintage underdog

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If you happened to be in Presteigne for the VSCC's Welsh Weekend back in 2014, you will probably recognise the car pictured here. It was parked up in the High Street, drawing a crowd of curious and confused onlookers. If you weren't there, chances are you will struggle to identify the large, understated coupé.

The radiator shape is vaguely familiar, but it's not enough to go on. It's obviously a car of quality – 'Comparable with the Best' said the firm's advertising, and details such as the split V-screen and ingenious hinged dickey seat confirm this. If you were to open the bonnet you would find an attractive, six-cylinder unit of 2.6 litres. Oh, and it's one of only two survivors in the United Kingdom.

If you recognise this underdog as an Aster, congratulations. Asters, of course, were a big success in the world of proprietary engines in the pre-World War One days. By 1912, more than 130 makes were using Aster engines. Fast-forward to the 1920s and the firm was building its own luxury cars, including the 18/50 model like this survivor, all available with a variety of coachwork, but never in large numbers.

In the latest issue of The Automobile, which is out now, you can read more about the Aster company and this car's recent return to the road.

Photographs by Peter McFadyen 

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