When RM Auctions put the Astra coupe up on the auction block at its Arizona event back in January, it had a lot going for it – recent magazine coverage, a recent restoration, and plenty of history to separate it from most other mid-1950s homebuilt cars. Yet it came down from the block a no-sale, bidding up to $120,000 (RM estimated before the auction that it would sell for $150,000 to $250,000). Now we see the 1952 Astra coupe for sale on Hemmings.com, at a price not too far off from that high bid. From the seller’s description:
Metallic Blue with White and Black Interior The Astra Coupe is a stunning custom creation first completed in 1952. Built with aluminum panels on a tubular steel frame, the car was fabricated almost completely from the ground up. The workmanship is remarkable, with aluminum panels countersunk and then screwed or riveted to the frame. The hood alone is made of 16 separate pieces of aluminum, all seamlessly welded together. The powerplant is a 303 CID Oldsmobile Kettering V8, while the gearchange was operated by a modified column shifter which Everett adapted to operate as a floor change.
See more cars for sale on Hemmings.com.
UPDATE (26.August 2010): Steven Mandell was correct to point out in the comments that the Astra sold at the more recent RM auction in Monterey for $60,500.