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Bentley Flying Spur First Edition raises €700,000 for the Elton John AIDS Foundation
By Tempus | 30 July 2019 | Cars & Yachts, Culture
Bentley debuted the Grand Tourer at Sir Elton John’s Midsummer Gala in Antibes
* Sir Elton John and husband David Furnish with the Bentley Flying Spur [© Getty Images]
Bentley Motors auctioned a brand new Flying Spur First Edition at Sir Elton John's Midsummer Gala on 25 July, raising €700,000 for the singer's Elton John AIDS Foundation. An anonymous bidder scooped the lot, which gave guests a first look at the limited edition grand tourer to be released at the end of 2019.
The first ever auction of the exclusive Bentley vehicle, which has a limited production run of 12 months, saw Sir Elton himself in fierce competition with the anonymous winner. The gala was held at Villa Dorane, Cap d’Antibes, and was co-hosted by David Furnish, presided over by master of ceremonies Tania Bryer and featured a surprise performance by Coldplay's Chris Martin.
“It’s because of the consistent support and kindness of so many people in this room that we are able to commit the Elton John AIDS Foundation to real partnerships with world leaders that can a make a future without AIDS,” said Sir Elton.
All proceeds raised will benefit the Foundation's global programmes to combat AIDS. Founded by the Your Song singer in 1992, the Foundation has raised more than $450m globally to challenge stigma, prevent infections, provide treatment and lobby governments to end AIDS. >>
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* Bentley Flying Spur First Edition
Supporting the cause at the star-studded Midsummer Gala were guests including Taron Egerton – who recently played Sir Elton in the celebrated Dexter Fletcher-directed biopic Rocketman – and Dame Joan Collins. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, dinner and live auction.
In support of the gala, and in celebration of the brand's centenary year, Bentley Motors not only auctioned the Flying Spur First Edition but invited the winner to collaborate with the company's Co-Creation Luxury Service to create a bespoke car. A member of the brand's design team will work with the auction winner to personalise the prize with exterior and interior options.