Durant 16HP Open Tourer

In May 2009 the GTM was presented with this magnificent Durant Tourer. It had been laid up in 1959 by its owner, then a student, in a barn at an Aberdeenshire Castle because of a dramatic back axle failure in Union Street, Aberdeen.

Remarkably, although the barn itself had suffered over the years, the old Durant is surprisingly fresh. It is free of furniture beetle (woodworm), which is a great relief especially in respect of its wooden wheels.

Durant’s are an American car, but this one was made for the UK with right hand drive. It fills a gap in our collection as a typical mid ‘20s tourer and we are keen to rebuild it and operate it. Much of the work will be placed with specialists and so the GTM is running a fund-raising appeal to progress the restoration. Please enquire at reception if you are keen to help.

Once enough money has been raised, we hope to make a start on the Durant and once restored its first journey will be back to its castle home to complete the photographic record!