I must admit, I was rather surprised when I saw this press release. Mainly because I wrote a similar article around this time last year and it was going for auction then, that time it was eBay though. This time however, the old ‘Reasonably Priced Car’ went under the Coys hammer with proceeds going to BEN a charity that supports those in the motor industry.
The Astra has seen many stars such as Olly Murs, Will Smith and Hugh Jackman who have trashed this medium sized hatchback around the famous Dunsfold track. Th car is to be enjoyed by a new owner though, after it sold for the grand sum of £6,000 – reasonably priced indeed.
Chris Routledge, CEO of Coys, said: “Auctioning the Vauxhall Astra was a one-of-a-kind-moment and we are especially delighted that the proceeds of its sale are going to our own industry’s charity.”
Speaking of Top Gear, you may be forgiven for letting it slip under your radar, but the new series of Top Gear hits our TV screens this Sunday at the usual slot of 8pm. I’ll be writing a seperate piece about that I expect from the series later today, so watch out for that.
Adam Collins, Brand Manager, at Vauxhall Motors said: “Vauxhall Motors is proud to support BEN and we’re pleased the sale of the BBC Top Gear car has offered a decent injection of funds into the work BEN do for the automotive industry.”
Jools Tait, Business Development Director at BEN said, “We are extremely grateful to Vauxhall Motors for their continued support and generous donation to BEN. Every pound donated ensures we can continue to provide our support services for people working in the automotive industry and their families. These services focus on the four main pillars of peoples’ health and wellbeing: financial, physical, mental and social, helping people to navigate life’s toughest challenges, supporting and empowering them to make lasting, positive change. BEN’s free, confidential advice and support is available to every individual who works or has previously worked in the automotive industry.”