Flying Spur First Edition auctioned at Elton John AIDS Foundation Gala

Bentley presented the new Flying Spur First Edition* at the Elton John AIDS Foundation Gala, where was auctioned in support of the fund-raising charity at the inaugural Midsummer Party, Picozzi’s Villa Dorane, on July 24th, 2019.

The Gala was held at Villa Dorane, Cap d’Antibes. Proceeds raised will be devoted to the work of the Foundation and its global programmes to combat AIDS. The Gala was hosted by Sir Elton and David Furnish, Tania Bryer was master of ceremonies and there was a special guest appearance by Chris Martin of Coldplay. The auction was won by an anonymous bidder, with the Flying Spur First Edition selling for €700,000.  

Sir Elton John, who was in fierce competition with the anonymous bidder himself, said: “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.

New Flying Spur First Edition - luxurious features
With astounding attention to detail, sculpted surfaces and intelligent technology the Flying Spur First Edition is rare, collectable and incredibly luxurious. Taking the driver on a journey of constant discovery this collector’s car inspires the imagination with its elegant form and intuitive interaction.

A range of totally exclusive features is found in the new Flying Spur First Edition. This limited edition Flying Spur will display a First Edition exterior badge and a First Edition Fascia badge – a Union Jack flag with the numeral 1 in the centre; a choice of First Edition Bentley Winged Emblems embroidered into the headrests; and First Edition treadplates – presenting the Union Jack flag with First Edition written through the centre.

The very best of design, technology and craftsmanship, the Flying Spur First Edition includes as standard some of the most luxurious interior and exterior features below that are usually optional, and has been impressively thought through to take Bentley into the next century.

The electronic Flying B mascot, undoubtedly one of the most iconic elements of the new model, has been exquisitely redesigned and is featured for the first time since 1959. The wings illuminate and the mascot deploys electronically when the owner approaches and unlocks the car.

One truly distinctive feature is the Bentley Rotating Display, which enables switching between technology and classic design, allowing you to choose either. A technologically progressive touchscreen display, controlling apps, media and vehicle systems; a clean and beautifully veneered fascia; or three classic analogue dials – one for temperature, one which is a compass, and one which is a journey timer (chronograph). So you can take a technology break if you want to switch off at any time.

The Touring Specification enhances every journey by the fitting of cutting-edge systems, including lane assist, night vision, head-up display and adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist. These innovative features empower drivers with the latest safety and sensing technology, suiting a fast-paced and sophisticated lifestyle.

Mood lighting is configurable so the cabin can be personalised, with a choice of seven different colours in two variations - vibrant or muted. These mean the driver or passengers can set the colour of the highlighted ring around the interior to suit their mood and separately adjust the ambient lighting as well as the light intensity. The mood lighting also follows the wing shapes found throughout the interior.

In addition to the single veneer options, dual finish veneers offer all veneer species as an upper accent veneer over Grand Black, which offers another level of refinement and execution to cabin if desired.

New wheel designs add to the perfect proportions of this luxury sedan with 22 inch Mulliner Driving Specification alloy wheels included in the First Edition, resulting in an assertive, contemporary look with unparalleled levels of execution in the detail.

Finally, a panoramic sunroof, where the front panel tilts and slides rearwards over the top of the fixed panel to open, is another sumptuous element of the cabin which demonstrates Bentley’s craft and creativity, keeping the customer always in mind. Colour-match Alcantara blinds can be deployed electrically when the sun is at its highest and keeping cool is a priority.

An exclusive opportunity
The winner of the charity auction will be invited by Bentley to create their own bespoke and completely unique Flying Spur through Bentley’s exclusive Co-Creation Luxury Service, a very limited experience currently offered only to Bentley owners. This is a chance to define personal luxury in a car of unrivalled performance.

A member of Bentley’s Design Team will work with the owner, either at the headquarters of Bentley in Crewe, England, or through a digital experience at their preferred Retailer, or in their own home, to create a truly personalised Flying Spur from a wealth of available exterior and interior options.

For the new owner of a new Flying Spur the choices are virtually limitless – from exterior paint colours to interior leather and trim combinations and personalised seat stitching. The auction is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to go on a fantastic journey to create the car of your dreams.

*The new Flying Spur is not yet available to order in EU28 countries, Israel, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey or Ukraine. It will be available to order in these markets later this year.