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Vauxhall Astra Bertone Convertible: The Forgotten Beauty Making A Comeback
For years, it lingered in the shadows, overshadowed by its more celebrated contemporaries. The Vauxhall Astra Bertone Convertible, a collaboration between Vauxhall and the renowned Italian design house Bertone, was a stylish and practical drop-top that, for a time, graced British roads. Now, with a growing appreciation for classic cars and a renewed interest in affordable convertibles, this often-overlooked beauty is making a comeback. This article delves into the Astra Bertone Convertible’s history, features, and why it’s suddenly attracting attention.
A Brief History: From Collaboration to Cult Classic
The Vauxhall Astra Bertone Convertible, also known as the Opel Astra Bertone Convertible in some markets, was born from a partnership between Vauxhall and the legendary Italian coachbuilder, Bertone. This collaboration brought Italian flair and design expertise to the practical Astra platform.
- The Early Days: Launched in the late 1990s (specifically 1999 in some markets), it was based on the second-generation Astra (the Astra G).
- Bertone’s Touch: Bertone was responsible for the design and construction of the convertible body, infusing the Astra with a more elegant and sporty aesthetic.
- Production: Production took place in Italy, reflecting the car’s Italian influence.
- The Appeal: It offered open-top motoring at a more accessible price point than some of its competitors, making it a popular choice for families and individuals seeking a touch of glamour.
Key Features and Design Elements
The Astra Bertone Convertible stood out from the crowd thanks to its distinctive design and practical features.
- Sleek Convertible Design: The car’s soft-top roof, designed by Bertone, seamlessly integrated into the body, creating a clean and stylish silhouette.
- Variety of Engine Options: Available with a range of petrol and diesel engines, offering a variety of performance and fuel economy options.
- Spacious Interior: Despite its convertible nature, the Astra Bertone offered a surprisingly spacious interior, accommodating passengers comfortably.
- Practicality: With a decent-sized boot and folding rear seats, it offered a good balance of practicality and open-air enjoyment.
- Stylish Details: Features like unique alloy wheels and subtle body enhancements further distinguished the Bertone Convertible from the standard Astra models.
Why the Resurgence in Popularity?
Several factors are contributing to the Astra Bertone Convertible’s growing popularity:
- Affordability: Compared to other classic convertibles, the Astra Bertone is generally more affordable to purchase and maintain.
- Classic Car Appeal: The growing interest in classic cars and the desire for a more unique driving experience are driving demand.
- Availability of Parts: The car is based on a popular platform, meaning parts are generally readily available and relatively inexpensive.
- Ease of Ownership: The Astra Bertone is known for its reliability and straightforward mechanicals, making it a relatively easy car to own and maintain.
- Nostalgia: For those who remember the car from its original release, it evokes a sense of nostalgia and a connection to a specific era of automotive design.
The Future of the Astra Bertone Convertible
The Vauxhall Astra Bertone Convertible’s future looks bright. As more enthusiasts discover its charms and appreciate its blend of style, practicality, and affordability, its value is likely to increase. It’s a prime example of a “forgotten beauty” that is now finding its place among classic car enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the common problems with the Astra Bertone Convertible?
Like any older car, the Astra Bertone Convertible can experience issues. Common areas to inspect include the roof mechanism (for leaks or malfunctions), rust in the usual areas, and general wear and tear on mechanical components. Regular servicing and maintenance are key.
2. What engine options were available?
The Astra Bertone Convertible offered a range of petrol and diesel engines. Common petrol engines included 1.6-litre, 1.8-litre, and 2.0-litre options. Diesel options typically included 1.7-litre and 2.0-litre engines.
3. Is the Astra Bertone Convertible a good investment?
While it’s difficult to predict future values with certainty, the Astra Bertone Convertible is showing promising signs of appreciation. Its affordability, classic car appeal, and ease of maintenance make it a potentially good investment for those looking for a stylish and enjoyable classic car.
4. Where can I find an Astra Bertone Convertible for sale?
You can find Astra Bertone Convertibles for sale through online marketplaces like eBay, specialist classic car dealers, and enthusiast forums.
