RAPID S.T.A.R. / TORINO / ITALY

 RAPID / STAR Societa Torinese Automobil Rapid  ( 1904 - 1921 ) TURIN/ ITALY

It is difficult to write about the manufacturer RAPID, because the brand was officially called STAR. 

However, all advertisements, brochures, and emblems initially only featured the name RAPID.

This brand was founded by Giovanni Battista Ceirano, who transformed the former La Ceirano & C. brand into the company S.T.A.R. ( =  Società Torinese Automobili Rapid ) 

During World War I, large quantities of projectiles, machine guns, and cannons were manufactured. After WWI, production resumed with the Type 10.

In 1921, however, RAPID was forced into liquidation. 

The SPA takes over the factories, while the automotive inventory goes to CIP, which puts it up for sale under the name STAR. 

 

Size	9.7 cm x 6.7 cm
Year	c. 1908
Estimate

 

RAPID already had a stand at the EXPO ITALIANA in 1905. Unfortunately, the photo is too unclear to really make out the emblem.

 

 

 

Size	9.7 cm x 6.7 cm
Year	1905 - 1906
Estimate

 

 

1906 Italian sales brochure showing a very distinctive emblem never used on a car

 

 

 original blank purchased from the liquidation estate of the Bregonzio enamel factory 

In the USA and England, there were also car brands with the name STAR. Here I am talking about the Italian brand STAR.

This is likely to have been the last emblem used by the Italian brand. The reverse side shows traces of the old solder (see 2nd photo).

 

Size	8.2 cm x 4.2 cm
Year	1921
Estimate

 

 

 

 The only Italian STAR car catalog I know of shows a different emblem:

For more information about the Italian Ceirano family and  Ceirano emblems please click here!

For other emblems see older posts or top right ( list of car makers ).

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