Aston Martin to Auction Rapide in Support of Japan Aid Efforts

Aston Martin has just announced that its CEO, Ulrich Bez, is to auction his company Rapide at this year’s annual Bonhams auction at Newport Pagnell. All of the proceeds are to be put at the disposal of charities providing aid to the victims of the recent earthquakes and Tsunami that hit Japan.

”Nobody could have failed to be moved by the recent events in Japan and we at Aston Martin are no exception. After many years presence in the market and closer ties being forged with the Japanese automotive business in recent projects, we have many friends in the region and we wanted to do something to help” Dr Bez said.

“The Bonhams Aston Martin Auction seems the perfect platform to encourage the extended Aston Martin family to support this cause, so we have decided to auction my Rapide which I have used in my role as Chief Executive to represent Aston Martin at numerous events in both UK and Europe. I hope this superb car will raise a substantial amount to help make a difference,” the Aston CEO added.

Bez’s car bears the chassis number ‘F00039’ and is a UK specification, right hand drive Aston Martin Rapide built in late 2009 for the exclusive business use of Aston Martin's Chief Executive Officer, who has held the position since 2000. This luxuriously specified car is finished in Concours Blue Paint, with an Obsidian Black leather interior stitched in Falcon Grey, and black carpets.

The Rapide also has heated and cooled front and rear seats, walnut veneer finish inside, an integrated garage door opener and the rear seat entertainment system incorporating a twin-screen DVD system and infrared headphones.