The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Special Delivery: 2 Million-Dollar 2021 LC 500 Convertible Auctioned for Charity Rolls Home


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

  • One-of-One 2021 LC 500 Convertible Delivered to Winning Bidder
  • First LC 500 Convertible Off Assembly Line and First Delivered in U.S.
  • 2-Million-Dollar Bid Split Between Boys & Girls Clubs of America & Bob Woodruff Foundation
  • LC 500 Convertible VIN 100001 Based on Structural Blue Inspiration Series

PLANO, Texas (August 5, 2020) – After a quick, three-minute trip across the Barrett-Jackson auction block, a unique LC 500 Convertible raised an impressive 2 million dollars for charity, with 100 percent of the hammer price going to two charities: Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Bob Woodruff Foundation. After production started last month for the all-new flagship Lexus convertible, the winning bidder – none other than Dealer Principal of Stevinson Lexus of Lakewood in Colorado, Kent Stevinson – was able to take delivery on the prize for his winning bid.

The 2021 LC 500 Convertible has certainly turned heads since its debut at the LA Auto Show last year, but the one-of-one convertible auctioned this past January at the Barrett-Jackson event in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a collector’s dream. Based on the limited Inspiration Series, it features stunning Structural Blue exterior paint, elegant white semi-aniline leather-trimmed interior, unique blue brake calipers and Liquid Platinum accents. Aside from being the first convertible off the line, one of its more collector-worthy traits is its VIN ending in 100001. Of course, Stevinson was incredibly excited to lay eyes on it for the first time.

“To actually see the car eight months later from seeing the prototype at Barrett-Jackson, it was quite the presentation and it hits you that this is vehicle number one,” he said. The experience was also unique for Stevinson in that he was able to see first-hand the vehicle evolve from concept to final production. “When I was on the Lexus Dealer Council I saw the prototype of the convertible, so just knowing you are taking delivery on the first one is really something.”

Although Stevinson was excited to take possession of the vehicle, being able to raise money for charities was the most rewarding part of the experience for him.

“The Bob Woodruff Foundation does an enormous amount for veterans and their families, and that hits close to home, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, their history and what they’ve done, particularly in these times when kids are at odds with not going to school. To think that you did this back in January to support these great causes but how now you see the support with the times – I couldn’t be happier,” he said. “With Lexus providing a beautiful car, Barrett-Jackson waiving all their fees, and me buying the car … it’s just a win-win for everyone. The end results will have a lasting effect. You couldn’t hope for much more than that.”


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

The unique vehicle that Stevinson won is not only the first off the assembly line but also the first to be delivered in the country. Along with the auction vehicle comes a host of special items, such as a framed sketch of the LC 500 Convertible by the Chief Designer Tadao Mori, an engine cover signed by the President of Lexus International Koji Sato and the Chief Engineer Yasushi Muto, a portfolio with production-line photos and a one-of-one certificate signed by the President of Lexus International, the Chief Engineer and the General Manager of the Motomachi plant, Hiroyoshi Ninoyu, where the vehicle was produced. It’s a special vehicle for a special bid – one that raised a lot of money for two great causes.

“We couldn’t be happier to usher in the launch of the all-new LC 500 Convertible by raising 2 million dollars for two deserving charities,” said David Christ, Group Vice President and General Manager for the Lexus division. “With Mr. Stevinson’s generous winning bid, it just proves we have the absolute best dealers in the industry!”


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

Every cent raised from the auction of the LC 500 Convertible has been donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Bob Woodruff Foundation. Boys & Girls Clubs of America focuses on creating after-school programs for kids and teens across the nation, with the goal being “To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” Bob Woodruff Foundation creates programs for veterans, service members and their families. It was founded in 2006 after reporter Bob Woodruff was injured covering the war in Iraq, and he has since led an enduring call to action for people to stand up for heroes and meet the emerging and long-term needs of today’s veterans.

The all-new 2021 LC 500 Convertible will be arriving at Lexus dealerships this month. For more information, please visit Lexus.com or the Lexus newsroom.

About Lexus
Lexus’ passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its guests. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury guests in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 242 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With six models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers eight F SPORT models and two F performance models. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.