Active in Milan from 1931 to 1953, Astra was based at Via Lanzone and was founded by Max Turkheimer, the Ariel importer.
The motorcycles were assembled using mainly using British components including Ariel 250, 350 and 500cc engines and Burman gearboxes built under license in Italy by Fiat.
In 1936 Astra machines were entirely manufactured in Italy by CM Bologna using the original engines in displacements of 220, 350 and 500 cc. They also built three-wheeled motofurgone and motocarri models including L307 and M499.
Limited production continued from 1937 to 1940, and in 1941 they built 350cc and 500cc with both rigid frames and rear suspension. Production resumed in 1949 with 250, 350 and 500cc OHV models and a 125cc twostroke. At this time the factory was associated with Max Turkheimer. The factory closed in 1953.
Astra models included:
175cc 1933-1936
220cc 1935
250 250cc 1934-1937
500 500cc 1934-1937
Sources: Moto di Lombardia
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