!NEW! Vauxhall Motors auction BBC Top Gear’s Reasonably Priced Car for charity BEN

Vauxhall Motors has opened the bidding on a piece of motoring history – the Vauxhall Astra used by BBC Top Gear as their ‘Reasonably Priced Car’ with automotive industry charity, BEN.

Vauxhall Astra Tech Line

The five-door Power Red 1.6 litre (115bhp) Vauxhall Astra Tech Line has been added to eBay to raise awareness and funds for the charity.  Bids can placed at www.ebay.co.uk/itm/-/231786726259 with all proceeds being donated to BEN.

BEN’s goal is to make positive differences to people’s lives in the automotive industry, supporting them in times of difficulty through a wide range of free, confidential information, advice and support services. Through the donations it receives, BEN is able to help families, for example with the cost of specialist disability equipment for children, giving emotional support through an illness, or providing guidance on how to deal with financial worries. BEN also offers a range of services from nursing to end of life care via its four residential centres around the country.

• Mileage – 2,908
• 17 inch 10-spoke alloy wheels
• Sat-nav system with seven-inch colour monitor
• Three-spoke leather-covered sports steering wheel
• Multi-function trip computer
• USB connection with iPod control
• Mobile phone system with Bluetooth
• Digital radio with six premium speakers
• Chrome-effect exterior side window surround
• Front Corbeau Sprint Racing seats with 5 point safety belt harness and full roll-cage

IMPORTANT NOTE: Bidders should be aware that the airbags have all been disabled making room for the roll-cage.  To re-instate the airbags would involve removing the roll-cage and seating.  So, in its current state, the car is not type-approved and should not be driven on the road.  The Vauxhall Technical Team will work with the successful bidder at handover to fully explain how the vehicle has been adapted. Please be aware converting the vehicle back into use on the public highway would incur significant cost.

With an estimated 350 million views in 170 different countries per week, the Vauxhall Astra was initiated with a star-studded barbeque, featuring celebrities including comedians Jimmy Carr and Warwick Davis, and singers Brian Johnson and Joss Stone.  Celebrities such as Olly Murs, who topped the leader board, Margot Robbie, Ron Howard and James Blunt all thrashed it around the Top Gear Test Track at Dunsfold Park, Surrey.

“David Main, BEN Chief Executive commented on the auction, saying: “We are reliant on the generosity of our supporters to enable us to continue our work helping people who work within the UK automotive industry, so we are very grateful to Vauxhall Motors for this kind donation of a piece of history for a great cause.”