Auction lot 45 wasn’t just a car; it was an unparalleled luxury statement, the fourth‑generation open‑top grand tourer crafted by Mulliner, auctioned to support the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF). This sale embodies Bentley’s philanthropic elegance and the Festival’s remarkable 25‑year legacy, raising over $34 million in 2025. Beneath the glitz of Damson paint and White‑and‑Damson hides lies an extraordinary narrative of luxury, community, and performance.
At first glance, the GTC Speed radiates a Damson exterior finish with a contrasting Dark Grey Metallic fabric roof—a design curated by Mulliner with Bentley Naples. Under the bonnet roars the brand’s Ultra Performance Plug-In Hybrid V8, delivering a jaw‑dropping 771 horsepower and rocketing from 0–60 mph in just 3.2 seconds—well over 100 hp more than its predecessor. This marks Bentley’s first use of its pinnacle engine in an auction piece, eliminating any shadow of doubt about performance pedigree. This is not merely a showpiece—it’s a technological masterpiece.
Step inside the bespoke Mulliner showstopper: White main hide against Damson secondary hides, all accented with silver piping. A Light Grey interior roof complements the design, while personalized treadplates and LED welcome lights heighten the bespoke execution. The ultra‑luxury cabin also features unique Mulliner‑crafted veneer in piano white and Damson, making this GTC Speed one of the most exclusive Mulliner interiors ever created.
Beyond the car itself, the auction included a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience: Bentley’s Monterey Car Week 2025 VIP hospitality package. The winning bidder will enjoy four nights at The Inn at Spanish Bay, two tickets to Bentley’s VIP Terrace at The Quail Motorsports Gathering, and two VIP passes to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance—featuring private access to The Bench at The Lodge. Add in the Bentley Beach Dinner on Seal Rock Beach and Beach & Tennis Club party, and you’ve crafted an ultra‑exclusive automotive and leisure experience.
The 2025 Naples Winter Wine Festival marked its 25th anniversary with record-breaking success, raising over $34 million for the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), which supports underprivileged and at-risk children in Collier County, Florida.
“Each year, together with Bentley Motors Inc., we are grateful for the opportunity to play a role in supporting this incredible mission.”Jason Reidel, Co-Founder of UNFOLLOW and Bentley Naples Partner
With festival proceeds exceeding $336 million since its inception, the event strengthens underprivileged community outreach while celebrating exclusive luxury.
“Contributing to the community and fostering a sense of purpose are integral to our broader understanding of sustainability.”Jun Watanabe, Bentley Americas’ Senior Director of Sales and Operations
This statement underscores Bentley’s belief that sustainability extends beyond carbon emissions—it encompasses longevity, craftsmanship, and socially responsible partnerships. By tying philanthropic efforts to record-breaking auction results, Bentley demonstrates how luxury brands can champion both excellence and empathy.
This bespoke Continental GTC Speed comes with standout Mulliner additions: Moonbeam‑painted exterior pinstripe, blackline touring specification, silk‑finish LED welcome lights, and personalized Naples Winter Wine Festival treadplates. Beneath the surface lies a specification crafted exclusively for this auction, ensuring collectors that they’re acquiring something wholly unique. From the moment owners approach, with ribbon-trimmed LED lights to the tactile whisper of piano-white veneer, this vehicle redefines bespoke grand touring motoring.
Collectors prize two things: exclusivity and provenance. This auctioned GTC Speed embodies both. It’s the first bespoke Bentley Continental GTC Speed sold outright at auction, curated through Bentley Naples, and bundled with an elite experience at Monterey Car Week 2025. The Damson‑and‑White interior, the record auction price, and the philanthropic purpose all contribute to its unmatched story. Antique cars often have rich heritage; this new model starts its lineage on a pinnacle of luxury and altruism.
Luxury brands increasingly balance aspirational utility with social impact. Bentley’s auction aligns with this paradigm—precision engineering meets purpose. At a time when affluent consumers expect brands to articulate meaningful values, Bentley demonstrates how grand touring opulence can be harnessed for transformative impact. The festival’s staggering haul—over $34 million—proves that charitable luxury isn’t philanthropy alone—it’s a powerful motivator for high‑net‑worth engagement.
The auction-winning buyer doesn’t just gain a car—they earn entry into Bentley’s VIP hospitality at Monterey Car Week. Events span gearheads’ favorite: from the Quail’s concourse-grade vehicles to Pebble Beach’s elite awards ceremony. The Inn at Spanish Bay offers comfort and class steps away from the disciplines of nameplate elegance. Add in exclusive invitations to private Beach Dinner and Beach & Tennis Club events, and the weekend becomes less about cars and more about a curated luxury lifestyle.
Auctioning the GTC Speed at NWWF’s 25th anniversary brought more than funds. It delivered visibility for Collier County’s children and positioned high-end automotive craftsmanship as a catalyst for social good.
“Their extraordinary support this year and in the past several years has enabled us to raise much-needed funds for essential programs.”Bill Beynon, Team 25 Co‑Chair
The evening showcased that luxury needn’t be aloof—it can champion causes and elevate regional futures.
This auction sets a precedent. Bentley has created a template: bespoke, performance-driven luxury cars linked with high-visibility charitable auctions and exclusive lifestyle packages. Future collectible cars from the brand will need to resonate similarly. For buyers and collectors, this means the expectations: one-off exclusivity, philanthropic ties, and a story that lives outside garage walls. The narrative alone ensures enduring value beyond horsepower figures.
In luxury lifestyle circles, the auction of the first bespoke Bentley Continental GTC Speed at the 2025 Naples Winter Wine Festival sends a loud message: peak performance can coexist with gracious, cinema-worthy purpose. At $1.7 million, it wasn’t just the most expensive lot—it was a monument to human generosity and automotive artistry. From Damson paint to Monterey hospitality, this auction affirms that authentic luxury must empower both owner and community. With each Mulliner stitch and V8 thunder, it commands a new legacy—one measured in both style and positive social transformation.