New Aston Martin model sells for nearly £1.3m at charity auction in Cannes

An Aston Martin model has been sold for 1.6 million US dollars (£1.3 million) at a charity auction in France supporting Aids research.

The customer will become the first person to own the Aston Martin DB12 car, with its engine cover signed by Formula One drivers Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso, which was auctioned at a star-studded gala for the American Foundation for Aids Research (Amfar) in Cannes.

The gala was attended by the likes of rapper and actress Queen Latifah, actress Rebel Wilson and supermodel Heidi Klum.

The auction was hosted by American actress Eva Longoria and actor James Marsden who showcased the unique car before excelling beyond auction estimates raising over a million to support the Aids charity.

To mark the marque’s 110th anniversary, the car features special touches curated by one of Aston Martin’s bespoke services.

Kevin Robert Frost, chief executive of Amfar, said he was “immensely grateful” for the donation as proceeds will be “an important boost” towards research efforts for Aids.

“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,” he said.

Lawrence Stroll, executive chairman of Aston Martin said he the luxury car company was “thrilled” to support Amfar.

“Aston Martin is thrilled to have supported the Amfar Gala Cannes,” he said.

“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.”

Aston Martin sponsors of the Amfar Gala Cannes supporting non-profit organisations dedicated to Aids research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and advocacy.

Aids research charity Amfar was founded in 1985 and has since raised 617 million US dollars (£500 million) and awarded more than 3,500 grants to research teams across the world.