IT'S been seen by millions and driven by superstars and now the Vauxhall Astra which starred as the ‘reasonably priced car' on TV's Top Gear is up for sale to help the automotive industry charity, BEN.
The five-door bright red Astra Tech Line with 2,908 miles on the clock is being sold on eBay with bids closing on December 27.
All proceeds from the sale will go to BEN which supports those from the UK car industry in times of need. The charity also runs four residential centres around the country.
The 1.6-litre Astra has been viewed by an estimated 350 million Top Gear fans in 170 countries every week as it was thrashed around the Dunsfold test track in Surrey by a host of celebrities including Olly Murs, Margot Robbie, Ron Howard and James Blunt.
Although the car is fitted with creature comforts such as air conditioning, sat nav and a digital radio it also comes with racing seats, a full harness and a roll cage which means it is not road legal as the airbags have been removed.
Vauxhall says its technical experts will explain the vehicle's adaptations to the successful bidder but is warning that converting it for everyday use would be costly.
David Main, chief executive of BEN said: "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."