Rolls-Royce Phantom sells for $800,000 at World's Top Charity Auction

NAPLES, Fla., Feb. 11, 2005 -- In just five years the Naples Winter Wine Festival has already raised more money than any other charity wine event in the world. At the festival's celebrity filled auction this past Saturday, Feb. 5, a 2005 Rolls-Royce Phantom found a new owner at a generous bid of $800,000. This is more than twice the manufacturers suggested retail price and eclipsed by a wide margin the $550,000 which was paid for a Phantom at a charity auction in Southampton this past summer.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom, lot number 45 in the auction, was a very special car. It was specifically designed to appeal to the tastes of a wine lover. Its exterior color had the depth and sparkle of a rich Burgundy. The interior was fitted in the finest leather utilizing 14 hides in a rich moccasin color, the headliner was cashmere, and all wood surfaces featured cross banded figured Mahogany. A "cluster of Grapes" motif was tastefully used on the interior and exterior most notably as a sterling silver inlay on each of the Mahogany veneered door cappings! The most intriguing custom features included a "mini wine cellar" built into the trunk floor, a cigar humidor in the glove compartment, and "Naples Winter Wine Festival" engraved tread plates. This was, and will remain the only car to be built to this particular specification. It carried a manufacturers suggested retail price of $374,534.

During the course of Saturday's International Wine Auction more than 11 million dollars were raised, up from 7 million last year. Other auction lots included rare wines, luxury travel packages, and exceptional food experiences. A sell out crowd of more than 500 people actively and generously bid on all lots. The event was staged on the ground of the Ritz-Carlton Naples Golf Resort. In attendance were many of the world's finest vintners, finest chefs, TV and film celebrities, and some of the most generous people in the world. Celebrities in attendance included Regis Philbin, Kyle MacLachlan, and Jayne Seymour.

Proceeds from the auction are given to charities that serve the needs of children in the Collier County area. The Chairman of the Festival, Scott Lutgert, said, "We're proud to make a difference in countless children's lives." The Naples Winter Wine Festival was established by Naples families who share a passion for great wine, fabulous food and bettering their community.

James Selwa, president of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA was pleased by the warm reception the very special Phantom received at the auction. "The real objective at this event is to raise funds for the children. While the bidders are always more than generous, they will dig even deeper when the object they are bidding on is truly one of a kind," Selwa explained. "We created this particular Phantom to appeal to the passions of a wine lover. From its color to its "wine cellar", it is truly unique and only one will ever be made to that particular specification. It is rewarding to see that the bidders really appreciated our efforts."

Rolls-Royce is one of the world's most highly regarded brand names, and is virtually synonymous with the ultimate expression of excellence. Last year, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars sold 420 Phantoms in North America making it the leader in the ultra-luxury sedan segment. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is a member of the BMW Group.