Ateliers de Construction Mecanique l'Aster

L'Aster
Company type	Private
Industry	Automotive, Engine manufacturing
Founded	1878
Defunct	c.1912
Headquarters	Paris, Saint-Denis, France
Area served	France, United Kingdom, Italy, United States
Key people	Sydney D Begbie (Resident Engineer at Saint-Denis plant; Managing Director of British licensee)
Products	Engines (stationary, automobile, marine, aircraft), chassis, automotive parts

L'Aster, also referred to as Aster or Ateliers de Construction Mecanique l'Aster, was a prominent French car manufacturer and the foremost engine supplier from the late 1890s through approximately 1910–1912. While primarily recognized for its large-scale engine production, Aster additionally crafted chassis and a comprehensive array of automotive parts.

The company manufactured a diverse range of engines including stationary units, generators for electricity, automobile powerplants, marine propulsion engines, and aircraft motors. Their portfolio encompassed gasoline, kerosene, and gas engines with both air- and water-cooling systems. Notable customers comprised Ache Frères, Achilles, Argyll, Ariès, Aster-Newey, Automobiles Barré, Bolide, Belhaven Engineering, Bij 't Vuur, Century Engineering, Clément, Darracq, Dennis, Durham-Churchill, Ernst, Excelsior, Gladiator, Hanzer, Hoflack, Hurtu, Korn et Latil, Lacoste & Battmann, La Torpille, Lucerna, Newey Aster, Société Parisienne, Passy-Thellier, Pearson, Prunel, Rochet-Schneider, Rouxel, Reyrol, Sage, Siddeley-Deasy, Simplicia, Singer, Swift Motor Company, Vulcan, West-Aster, Whippet Motor and Cycle Co., Whitlock Automobile Co., and Le Zèbre. By 1906 the firm reported having supplied engines to over 11,000 users.

Beginning in the mid-1900s decade, engine production was licensed to 'Aster-Wembley' in Wembley (London), which evolved into the 'Aster Engineering Co' by 1913. This British branch produced aircraft engines during the First World War and commenced manufacturing Aster-branded automobiles in 1922 before being integrated into Arrol Johnston in 1927. In Italy meanwhile, Aster Società Italiana Motori operated under license from 1906 to 1908 to produce cars and engines.

In 1904 the Paris-based newspaper Le Petit Journal highlighted Aster's dominance in France's mass engine production sector with a "universal reputation" affirmed by its extensive user base. By 1912 the company supported more than 130 different marques.

History

Aster was a French car manufacturer and preeminent engine supplier from roughly 1900 until 1910; it also fabricated chassis for coachbuilders. Established in 1878 at 102 rue de Paris in Saint-Denis, its engine nameplates bore the inscription Ateliers de Construction Mécanique l'Aster, with headquarters located at 74 Rue de la Victoire in Paris.

At the 1900 Paris 'Salon de l'Auto', Aster presented a quadricycle equipped with their proprietary 3.5 HP single-cylinder motor. Their product lineup rapidly expanded to include stationary engines, electricity generators as well as motors for automobiles and marine launches—offering gasoline-, kerosene-, and gas-fueled units with both air and water cooling options. These products were distributed in the United States through A J Myers of New York.

A 12 HP Aster model appeared at the 1903 Crystal Palace Motor Show. Between 1905 and 1907 Aster vehicles were retailed in Britain. In Italy from 1906 to 1908 Aster Società Italiana Motori produced cars and engines under license.

In the United Kingdom Aster operated a manufacturing facility in Wembley (North London), where their engines were marked Aster-Wembley. Begbie Manufacturing of Wembley—founded in 1899 by Sydney D Begbie (A.M.I.M.E.)—became British licensees of Aster during the mid-1900s primarily focusing on stationary engine production. The company was renamed Aster Engineering Co (1913) Ltd in 1913; it manufactured aircraft engines throughout World War I and initiated production of Aster automobiles in 1922. In 1927 this entity merged with Arrol Johnston & Aster Eng located in Dumfries, Scotland. The last Aster-branded engines were produced by Meadows in 1930.

Sydney D Begbie held the position of Resident Engineer at Aster’s Saint-Denis plant during the early twentieth century. An early world record holder in cycling and a pioneer in motor engineering technology, he served as Managing Director of Begbie Manufacturing Co., Ltd and Consulting Engineer to Henry Whitlock Ltd as well as The West London Motor Co. Ltd—both companies utilizing Aster engines.

Automobiles

During the 1900 Paris 'Salon de l'Auto', Aster presented a motorized quadricycle equipped with their proprietary 3.5 HP single-cylinder engine. Over subsequent years, engine capacities and multi-cylinder arrangements advanced significantly.

Aster introduced a 12 horsepower model at the 1903 Crystal Palace Motor Show, with their vehicles available for purchase in Britain between 1905 and 1907.

In 1904, the company manufactured a four-cylinder, five-passenger car rated at 16/20 horsepower, featuring a rear-entry design and Tonneau body style, powered by the Type 43 JS engine.

Between 1906 and 1908, the Italian manufacturer Aster Società Italiana Motori produced cars and engines under Aster's license.

At the 1907 Paris Salon, 'Ateliers de Construction Mecanique l'Aster' from St. Denis (Seine) displayed a four-cylinder chassis.

Engines

Aster's production encompassed an extensive variety of engines, including stationary units; generators for electricity; automotive engines; heavy-duty powerplants; marine launch motors; and aircraft engines. Their offerings included both air-cooled and water-cooled models fueled by Gasoline, Kerosene, or Gas Motors.

Power	Type	Capacity Bore / Stroke	Name	Vehicle
	Four cylinders	3,054 cc		1904 Argyll
	Four cylinders	4,849 cc		1904 Argyll
		16,000 cc		Circa 1907 Aster-Wembley four-cylinder
3.5 h.p.	Air cooled		Type E	Early models including the 1900 Aster and others
3.5 h.p.	Air cooled		Type F	As detailed in New York brochure
1.5 h.p.	Air cooled		Type H	Specified in New York brochure
4 h.p.				1904 Pearson motorcycle
5 h.p.	Single cylinder Air-cooled	84 x 90 mm 499cc	Type J	1904 Century Tandem forecar
12 h.p.	Water cooled		Stationary motor referenced in New York brochure
4 h.p.	\|Type 2 L \|Mentioned in New York brochure \|
4 h.p.	Type 2 I \|No regulator; noted in New York and French brochures \|
6.5 h.p.	Type 3 K \|Includes regulator; utilized in Century Tandem forecar; documented in brochures \|
9 h.p.	Type 4 N \|Equipped with regulator; described in brochures \|
8/10 h.p.	88 x120 mm 1,460cc \|Type 21 K \|With regulator; outlined in French brochure \|
10/12 h.p.	88 x140 mm 1,703cc \|Type 26 K \|Automatic regulator; installed on Whippet (1905), Durham-Churchill (1906), Vulcan (1912) \|
14 h.p.	105 x140 mm 2,424cc \|Type 26 NF \|Automatic regulator; detailed in French brochure \|
12/14 h.p.			Applied on Whippet twin cylinder (1905)
12/14 h.p.	Four cylinders	2.4 litre	Fitted to Durham-Churchill (1906), Singer (1906)
12/14 h.p.	95 x110 mm 1,559cc \|Type 26 LS \|Designed for automobiles; mentioned in French brochure \|
12/16 h.p.	81 x110 mm 2,267cc \|Type 43 JS \|Used on Aster's five-seat car (1904); referenced in French brochure \|
20/22 h.p.	95 x130 mm 3,686cc \|Type 45 LS \|Installed on Argyll (1904), Durham-Churchill (1906); French brochure citation \|
24/30 h.p.	105 x110 mm 3,810cc \|Type 46 NS \|Automotive use; documented in French brochure \|
30 h.p.			Employed on Durham-Churchill (1908) – large passenger vehicle \|
20 h.p.	160 x160 mm 6,434cc \|Type 28 S \|For heavy-duty tasks; outlined in French brochure \|
40 h.p.	130 x140 mm 7,433cc \|Type 46 P \|Heavy-duty engines; referenced in French brochure \|
80 h.p.	160 x186 mm 14,959cc \|Type 410 S \|For heavy-load applications; described in French brochure \|

Note: The type letters correspond to bore diameters—such as I =80mm bore; J=84mm; K=88mm; L=95mm; N=105mm; S=separate cylinder castings.

Components

Aster played a crucial role as a supplier of automotive parts to both manufacturers and consumers. The company’s French headquarters and its British affiliate delivered a wide array of components, including engines, gearboxes, gears, chassis, steering mechanisms, radiators, spark plugs, magnetos, coils, accumulators, Oleo plugs, C.M.F. devices, and lubricators.

Partners

On 11 July 1904, Le Petit Journal reported that Aster dominated the large-scale engine production market in France, earning a 'universal reputation' bolstered by extensive positive user feedback.

By 1912, the factories in France and England under Aster's name were supplying engines to more than 130 different automobile brands.

Achilles

The Achilles marque offered multiple automobile models primarily equipped with Aster and De Dion single-cylinder engines, including versions rated at 8 h.p., 9 h.p., and 12 h.p.

Argyll

In 1904, the Scottish firm Argyll introduced vehicles powered by Aster engines featuring front-mounted radiators. Their lineup included a 10 h.p. 1985 cc model alongside four-cylinder variants with displacements of 3054 cc, 3686 cc, and 4849 cc.

By 1908, the Argyll 40 was fitted with an entirely French-made Aster engine and achieved first place in its category during the Scottish Reliability trials.

Ariès

Produced between 1903 and 1938 in France, the Ariès automobile initially incorporated two- and four-cylinder Aster engines paired with shaft drive systems and was notable for its unique double rear axle design.

Belhaven

Operating from their 'Belhaven Engineering and Motors' facility in Wishaw, Scotland since 1908, Belhaven manufactured steam-powered as well as petrol vehicles. Their early petrol lorries utilized Tyler engines before transitioning to Aster power units with chain drive.

Bij 't Vuur

The Dutch car brand Bij 't Vuur was active from 1902 to 1906. Its earliest models were fitted with Aster engines but later switched to De Dion-Bouton or Panhard powerplants. In 1902, the range included 9 h.p. and 12 h.p. variants equipped with a modern cardan axle supporting three forward speeds plus one reverse gear.

Century

Century Engineering and Motor Co based in Willesden Junction, London manufactured motorcycles between 1902 and 1905. Their 1904 Tandem forecar was available with either a 5 h.p. Aster engine or a 6.5 h.p. Begbie Audin water-cooled radiator engine. Power was transmitted via chain to a countershaft driving dual chain-driven rear axle speeds. The company also produced a tradesman's carrier version.

Darracq

Established in 1896 by Alexandre Darracq, the Societe Alexandre Darracq Suresnes initially built motorized cycles. Early offerings included Perfecta tricycles and quadricycles licensed from Léon Bollée, all powered by Aster engines.

Durham-Churchill (Hallamshire)

Based in Grimesthorpe, near Sheffield, Durham-Churchill manufactured charabancs under the 'Hallamshire Cars' brand from 1903 until 1917. In 1905 they launched a 24-seat charabanc featuring a four-cylinder 24 h.p. Aster engine paired with a Champion clutch and four-speed gearbox, priced at £600. By the following year, their vehicle range expanded to include two-cylinder (10–12 h.p.) and four-cylinder models (12–14 h.p., 20 h.p., and 24 h.p.) all powered by Aster engines. In 1908, their largest charabanc was equipped with a 30 h.p. Aster powerplant.

Excelsior

Beginning in January 1904, Belgian manufacturer Excelsior, often referred to as The Belgian Bentley, produced automobiles featuring reinforced wooden frames coupled with Aster engines available in single-, twin-, and four-cylinder configurations. Their initial models utilized two- or four-cylinder Aster power units which were regarded as unremarkable at the time.

Gladiator

Originating as the Gladiator Cycle Company and rebranded as Clément-Gladiator in 1896, this French manufacturer from Le Pré-Saint-Gervais, Seine specialized in bicycles, motorcycles, and automobiles. Their 1899 motor car featured a front-positioned Aster engine, a steering wheel, a two-speed transmission operated by foot pedals, and chain-driven final drive. By 1902, Gladiator had progressed to producing proprietary four-cylinder engines.

Horley Motor & Engineering Co. Ltd

Between 1908 and 1909, the Horley Motor & Engineering Co. Ltd integrated Aster engines into their commercial van models.

Korn et Latil

Produced from 1901 to 1902, the Korn et Latil was a French light car (voiturette) powered by a 3½ horsepower Aster engine.

Lewis

Vivian Lewis established the Ormonde Bicycle Depot in Adelaide in 1893. By late 1900, his enterprise evolved into Lewis Cycle and Motor Works, which began manufacturing automobiles, including the Lewis-Aster model during the mid-1900s. The exact production numbers remain uncertain.

Newey-Aster

Gordon Newey developed three motorcar variants equipped with Aster powerplants: 10/12 HP, 20/22 HP, and 24/30 HP. Additionally, he produced trucks designed to carry loads up to 500 kilograms.

Orient Aster

Around 1898 or 1899, Charles Metz of the Metz Company in Waltham, Massachusetts constructed the first American motorcycle powered by an Aster engine. This engine was a replica of De Dion-Bouton's lightweight four-stroke single-cylinder unit featuring battery and coil ignition.

Parsons Biplane

In May 1913, J.G. Parsons and Percy Maxwell Muller built the Parsons biplane to serve as a test platform for the Parsons Pendulum Paddle-Wheel Stabilizer. Initially fitted with an Aster inline four-cylinder water-cooled engine delivering 40 horsepower and driving an 8 ft 2 in Normale propeller, it was replaced by a Gnome engine by July of the same year.

Pearson

The Pearson brothers of Southsea, Hampshire produced the Pearson motorcycle in 1904. This British machine incorporated a 4 horsepower Aster engine within a distinctive 'loop and diamond' frame design.

Phébus-Aster

Noe Boyer & Cie from Suresnes, Paris named their automobilettes produced between 1899 and 1903 after Phoebus. These vehicles were powered by a 3.5 hp Aster engine. Notably, racing driver Charles Jarrott and F.F. Wellington achieved speeds up to 38 mph at Crystal Palace velodrome with Aster-powered Phébus tricycles. Wellington also imported these tricycles and voiturettes into England. The two-speed voiturette featured a rear-mounted single-cylinder Aster engine with a displacement of 397cc.

Rouxel

Manufactured from 1899 to 1900, the Rouxel was a French automobile brand offering two models including a two-speed voiturette equipped with a 2½ horsepower Aster engine.

Siddeley-Deasy

Siddeley-Deasy combined Rover chassis with engines from Daimler and Aster in their vehicles.

Simplicia

The Simplicia automobile was produced solely in 1910 and utilized a 10/12 horsepower Aster engine.

Singer

Singer introduced its inaugural four-wheel automobile in 1905. The first Singer-designed car released in 1906 was powered by an Aster four-cylinder engine of 2.4 litres producing between 12 and 14 horsepower. By 1907, Singer expanded its lineup to include models with two-, three-, and four-cylinder White and Poppe engines but discontinued cars featuring Aster engines by 1909.

West Aster

Enoch John West initiated automobile production in Coventry under the name 'The Progress Cycle Co' starting in 1900 but faced bankruptcy by 1903. Subsequently, he launched West and West-Aster, manufacturing vehicles equipped with Aster engines from 1904 until the company's collapse between approximately 1908 and 1910.

At the 1906 Olympia Motor Show, the West-Aster was recognized for its contemporary design and competitive pricing. It boasted the reliable Aster engine alongside a high-quality construction originating from Coventry's manufacturing expertise.

Whippet Motor and Cycle Co

Between 1903 and 1905, the Whippet Motor and Cycle Co produced Whippet motorcycles. At the 1903 Crystal Palace exhibition, two models were presented, including a forecar powered by a 3.25 h.p. Aster engine. This model incorporated a two-speed transmission system using two chain wheels on the rear hub, allowing the drive chain to be shifted between them in a manner similar to bicycle gearing.

Whitlock

The London-based firm Whitlock entered the car market in 1903 by rebranding the 'Century' vehicle built in Willesden as the 'Whitlock Century'. In 1905, 'The Whitlock Automobile Company' was formed to promote Whitlock-Aster automobiles, offering a range of models such as 10-12 h.p., 12 h.p., 12-14 h.p. twin-cylinder with shaft drive, 18 h.p., and 24 h.p., all reportedly manufactured in France. Despite favorable reviews, the company discontinued operations in 1906.

Vulcan

Vulcan was an English automobile manufacturer active from 1902 until 1928. Initially utilizing their own engines, Vulcan incorporated a 1.8 L two-cylinder Aster engine into their small car model, the 10/12, in 1912—marking their first adoption of an externally sourced engine.

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