One of the coolest things the old Top Gear did was put stars in the reasonably priced car and let them whip it around the track. If you ever watched the show, you know most of these stars were better off acting or playing music than taking to the track. The Vauxhall Astra was driven HARD for 2,908 miles… or kilometers.
All it says is mileage, 2908 on the eBay UK listing. I’d assume kilometers considering it’s on eBay UK. The listing is up to £8,000.00 with only two bids made and the reserve isn’t met. We have no idea just what the reserve is, but clearly the car wants a premium considering it was on TV and lots of stars have driven it.
The Legacy of Top Gear’s Reasonably Priced Car
The concept of the “Reasonably Priced Car” became a beloved segment on Top Gear, where celebrities from various fields would compete for the fastest lap time. The Vauxhall Astra, featured in this eBay listing, was one of the cars used in this segment. Over the years, it saw a variety of stars, from actors to musicians, and even athletes, all trying their hand at setting a competitive lap time. This particular Astra has a unique history, having been driven by numerous celebrities, which adds to its allure and potential value.
However, the car’s history on the show is a double-edged sword. While its fame makes it a desirable collector’s item, it also means the car has been driven extremely hard. The 2,908 kilometers on the odometer were accumulated under intense conditions, with each driver pushing the car to its limits. This kind of usage can take a toll on any vehicle, and potential buyers need to consider the wear and tear that comes with such a history.
Challenges of Owning a Piece of Television History
One big catch that will keep bids low is that with the racing seats and roll cage inside, the car has the airbags disabled. That means it can’t be driven on the street. Just think how awesome it would be to turn up at a track day in the Top Gear Reasonably Priced Car. It would cost a lot of money to get the car back into road legal form.
The modifications made to the Astra for its role on Top Gear are extensive. The racing seats and roll cage were essential for the safety of the celebrities driving at high speeds on the track. However, these modifications also mean that the car is not street-legal in its current form. Restoring the car to a condition where it can be driven on public roads would be a significant investment. This includes reinstalling airbags, removing the roll cage, and possibly other modifications to meet road safety standards.
For a true Top Gear fan, owning this car could be a dream come true. Imagine showing up at a track day with a car that has been driven by some of the biggest names in entertainment. It would undoubtedly be a conversation starter and a unique piece of automotive history. However, potential buyers need to weigh the cost of making the car road-legal against its value as a collector’s item.
The Vauxhall Astra from Top Gear’s “Reasonably Priced Car” segment is a fascinating piece of television and automotive history. Its presence on eBay UK offers a rare opportunity for fans to own a car that has been driven by numerous celebrities. However, the challenges of making it road-legal and the wear and tear from its time on the show are significant considerations. For the right buyer, this car could be a prized possession, but it comes with its own set of challenges and costs.
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