26 May 2023, Cap d’Antibes, France: The privileged opportunity to own the very first Aston Martin DB12 customer car was last night purchased for $1,600,000 (€1.5 Million) in a star-studded charity auction at the amfAR Gala Cannes.
The social highlight of the Cannes International Film Festival, the prestigious black-tie gala event at the iconic Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc was attended by celebrated figures from the world of entertainment, the arts and fashion including Grammy award winning host Queen Latifa, actors Rebel Wilson, Fan Bingbing and models Sara Sampaio, Bianca Balti, Heidi Klum, Stella Maxwell and Alessandra Ambrosio.
Acting couple Amy Jackson and Ed Westwick were joined by German athlete Alica Schmidt as guests of Aston Martin.
Presented for auction on the night by Eva Longoria and James Marsden, it was the DB12 that became the star of the show, with the stunning model accelerating well beyond auction estimates to raise a remarkable amount to support the work of the foundation for AIDS research as the most converted article of the evening.
Kevin Robert Frost, CEO of amfAR, said: “We have been incredibly fortunate to have Aston Martin as Presenting Sponsor for the 29th amfAR Gala Cannes and we’re immensely grateful for their generous donation of this spectacular DB12 for our live auction. This phenomenal sportscar was a highlight of the gala and the auction proceeds will give an important boost to our efforts to develop a cure for HIV.”
Lawrence Stroll, Executive Chairman of Aston Martin said: “Aston Martin is thrilled to have supported the amfAR Gala Cannes. In addition to showcasing the generosity of amfAR attendees, the incredible amount raised through this charity auction highlights the excitement for the new DB12 and the unique ultra-luxury and high-performance aspects of this model that elevate it well beyond the current GT category.”
The Launch Edition sold at auction will be the very first example of the world’s first Super Tourer to be hand delivered to a customer anywhere in the world. It is proudly arrayed in the halo Iridescent Emerald specification unveiled at the car’s global debut in Cannes.
The car is also the very first to be adorned with special touches carefully curated by the Q by Aston Martin bespoke service to celebrate the marque’s historic 110th anniversary, including a special fender badge and headrest embroidery. The one-of-its-kind car also displays a plaque on the door sill of the cabin, marking its unique history.
The privileged owner will also have the rare opportunity for Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One® Team drivers Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso to personally add their signatures to the engine cover, a unique aspect to be permanently preserved by Aston Martin in a manner befitting of this truly incredible, high-performance, ultra-luxury model.
Aston Martin is proud to be a Presenting Sponsor of the prestigious amfAR Gala Cannes, which supports the work of the leading nonprofit organisation dedicated to AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and advocacy. Since 1985, amfAR has raised nearly $617 million and has awarded more than 3,500 grants to research teams worldwide.
The donation to such an important cause forms part of Aston Martin’s philanthropic activities and the company’s Racing. Green. sustainability strategy, which seeks to not only minimalise its environmental impacts but also make a positive contribution to society.
