In its heyday I can see the case for an f1.4 lens when we were shooting film between ISO 50 and 400 in the main. In today's realm of digital cameras with massive ISO I am somewhat bemused. Perhaps they feel that the miniscule difference in DOF between F1.4 and F2.8 is meaningful. Aspherical? I'm sure this functionality is built into modern lenses designed for digital sensors. (Not to mention that this lens will not provide auto diaphragm or autofocus with any adapter.)
I'm quite happy with my nFD24mm f2.8 purchased around 10 years ago for about $AUD60.00.