Nine Lives: ’28 Durant M2
We are rarely moved to feature cars from the twenties. It isn’t that we don’t like them, it is more like there are so many available, how do you select just one to feature? Well if one of our most loyal readers, Tony B. sends it in and says this one is special, you go with it. Before 1928 this model Durant was called the Star, and was Durant’s least expensive model. The Star and the M2 competed with the Model T and Model A Fords. This coupe seats two and has a large trunk. The engine is the Continental-made four-cylinder that it came with from the factory. The three speed transmission predates synchromesh but the seller states it is not too fussy. a little background on the Durant Company. Durant, both the man and the company have an interesting history. Mr. Durant was the man who brought many companies together to create General Motors. He aggressively acquired other car companies when he saw an opportunity. These did not always work out, however, and he was ousted for spending too much on acquisitions. He started Chevrolet which grew to such popularity that he was able to leverage its success into a takeover of GM. He lost control of the company again in 1920 for similar reasons but went on to establish Durant Motors. By 1933, however, that enterprise was finished. Talk about having nine lives! The seller says the Durant was restored in 1980 and the car has held up pretty well since. There have been some modernizations but nothing that detracts from enjoying the experience. We think this one is beautiful in the soft green color and the interior looks inviting. We wouldn’t touch a thing. Well, maybe prepare it for The Great American Road race. Click here for the eBay auction.