Aston Martin DB12 Premieres in Cannes, Raising $1.6M for amfAR
The official unveiling of the new DB12 by Aston Martin took place this week in what is set to be one of the most anticipated upcoming automotive releases.
The start of its next generation of sportscars was given a fittingly glitzy celebration as the DB12 was presented with a premiere during the Cannes Film Festival at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on the French Riviera.
Celebrating Aston Martin’s 110th anniversary, 110 guests from across the fields of entertainment, sport, the arts and business gathered to witness the arrival of the new Grand Tourer. These included Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michael Douglas and Leonardo Di Caprio. Jeffrey Wright, who played Felix Leiter in Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace and No Time to Die, represented the world of James Bond, with the DB12 widely expected to play a role in the next film.
The event was a success and the next night, attention turned to the charity auction at the amfAR Gala, the highlight of the Cannes Film Festival. The opportunity to own the very first DB12 customer car was up for bidding. Presented by Eva Longoria and James Marsden, the extra special charity item sold for an eyewatering $1,600,000.
For the money paid, this car comes with a variety of superior features that no other DB12 will possess. As a world first, the Launch Edition sold at auction will be hand delivered to the lucky customer and is also the very first to be adorned with special touches by the Q by Aston Martin bespoke service including a special gender badge and headrest embroidery. A plaque on the door sill of the cabin marking its unique history is another feature of this one of its kind car. As well as this, the owner of the first very DB12 will see Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin’s Formula One teams’ signatures added to the engine cover.
As a Supporting Sponsor, Aston Martin will surely be delighted that the car became one of the stars of the evening, raising an extraordinary amount of money to support the work that amfAR does for AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education and much more.
Kevin Robert Frost, CEO of amfAR, said: “We have been incredibly fortunate to have Aston Martin as Presenting Sponsor. 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.”
For the rest of the world, the new Aston Martin DB12 will be available to order soon, with deliveries starting in autumn of this year.
Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: Aston Martin