Mercedes-Benz is not only the main sponsor of the 2011 Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance but they are also responsible for two of the most coveted live auction items up for grabs at the event. First up will be a limited edition 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG – one of only 30 produced. Next up will be the car we have been bringing you spy photos of on a regular basis, the all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster. In total, there are sixteen live auction items with highlights including a trip to the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 with Roger Penske, a tour of Jay Leno’s personal garage and a Ulysse Nardin EL TORO watch.
Below is a complete overview of the live auction items guest will bid on February 26th at the Concours d’Elegance Grand Gala Dinner and Auction.
2012 Mercedes CLS63 AMG Limited Edition
The Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance has done it again; bringing yet another unique ‘first’ to the Gala guests. This year, guests will also have the chance to bid on and win the first in the country an all new Mercedes model as well – the 2012 Mercedes CLS63 AMG Limited Edition – one of only 30 produced. The winning bidder of this high performance luxury sedan will receive an official Letter of Authenticity from Mercedes-Benz stating that this vehicle is the first one in the United States, and will be able to configure the options and colors on the car the way they want. This vehicle combines the stunning beauty of classic Mercedes design with a stellar amount of precise power. In short, this dynamic vehicle is a must-have for all serious drivers; and a can-have the first one in the country for the guests at the 2011 Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance. Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz & AutoNation
2012 Audi R8-GT the first one delivered in the United States
The Audi R8 has made memorable appearances at the Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance before. In 2009, the first and second R8 V10s in the country were auctioned off, bringing in a world record breaking $500,000 and $350,000, respectively when they were won by two lucky bidders. Last year the winning bidder took home the 2011 Audi R8 V10 Spyder Cabriolet Convertible. And this year, there will be another chance to make a new Audi model their own – as the first in the country 2012 Audi R8 GT will be auctioned off, the first of only 90 to be sold in the United States. The winning bidder will receive an official Letter of Authenticity stating that this vehicle is the first one in the United States. The winning bidder will also be able to configure the options and colors on the car the way they want. Just when driving-enthusiasts thought things couldn’t get any better – Audi has risen to challenge. They have produced a lighter, faster and more powerful high-performance Audi R8 with the 2012 Audi R8-GT – a beautiful vehicle that performs as well on the track as it does on the everyday roadways. Courtesy of Audi
2012 Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster
It’s no secret that Mercedes understands how to produce the perfect combination of luxury and power. And with the introduction of the all new 2012 Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster, any skepticism will officially be eradicated. Bid on the opportunity to be the first one in America to own the first Mercedes 2012 SLS AMG Roadster in the country . The winning bidder will receive an official Letter of Authenticity from Mercedes-Benz stating that this vehicle is the first one delivered in the United States, and the lucky winning bidder will be able to configure the options and colors on the car the way they want. The new SLS AMG is the perfect culmination of the track and road, designed like a racing sports car intended for every-day consumer use.
Be Roger Penske’s Guest at the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500
You and a guest will be the personal guest of Roger Penske at the premier event of the 2011 Indy Car Series Season, the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500. While in Indianapolis, you will stay two nights in luxurious accommodations. This VIP package includes (2) two seats at the Family Drivers & Team Penske Dinner on Saturday, May 28, 2011 and on race day Sunday, May 29th you will receive 2 Suite Passes, 2 Pit/Garage Credentials so you can see all the action up close and personal. This is truly a money can’t experience for all you race fans so start your bidding! Courtesy of Kathy & Roger Penske
100th Anniversary Indy 500 Package with A.J. Foyt
You and a guest are invited to the 100th Centennial Celebration of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”, the Indianapolis 500!! As the winner of this package, you and your guest will start off the weekend on Saturday with a meet-and-greet with racing legend A.J. Foyt and his Indy Car Driver Vitor Meira, at the Foyt Garage in Gasoline Alley. You will then have the exclusive opportunity to watch as the field of 33 drivers receive their final race instructions during the Indy 500 Driver’s Meeting.
On Sunday, watch the Indianapolis 500 from reserved grandstand seats at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. After the race, you and your guest can return to Gasoline Alley to watch post-race activities. The Indy 500 is home to many of the most recognizable icons in professional sports, including the Borg-Warner Trophy, Gasoline Alley, the Yard of Bricks and the Winner’s drink of milk. The drama of hundreds of thousands of spectators listening to Jim Nabors sing “Back Home Again in Indiana” and the sound of “The Star Spangled Banner” as jets fly overhead is truly awe-inspiring.
The roar of the engines as the field accelerates down the front straightaway as the green flag drops sends chills down the spines of everyone watching. Spectators cannot help but feel as though they are part of the history of the Speedway and the tradition that surrounds its most famous race.
You will receive:
- 2 Premium Reserved Grandstand Seats
- 2 Passes to Gasoline Alley on Saturday & post race Sunday
- 2 Driver Meeting Passes for Saturday which include:
- Gate and Garage area admission (9:00am – 1:00pm)
- Private Meet/Greet with A.J. Foyt and Vitor Meira – time Tba
- 3 Nights Accommodations at the Westin
In addition to this package: “Firestone Racing invites you and a guest into our garage at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at our operations. Meet our race day team, who will explain how we manage the 5,620 tires we bring for Indy 500 practice, qualifying and the race, as well as the technological advancements our engineers have made to meet the intense demands of this legendary 2.5-mile oval. Learn about Firestone’s 100-plus year history in racing, and how some of the most memorable moments in Indianapolis 500 history occurred on Firestone brand race tires. We can even offer a peek into a couple of race team garages. You and your guest will receive some great Firestone collectables to commemorate your experience.” The tour can happen on race day (May 29), Carburetion Day (May 27), or either of the two qualifying days (May 21 or 22). Courtesy of A.J. Foyt and A.J. Foyt Racing
Be Honda’s guest at the 100th Anniversary of the Indy 500
You and a guest will be the personal guest of Honda at the premier event of the 2011 Indy Car Series Season, the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500. This VIP package includes (2) two seats in the Honda Suite for race day Sunday, May 29th, 2011 you will receive 2 Pit Passes, 2 Honda Gasoline Alley Passes so you can see all the action up close and personal. The suite is an enclosed, air-conditioned viewing area with an outdoor grandstand above. Enjoy a catered buffet lunch with a full bar. While in Indianapolis you will stay three nights (Friday, May 27, Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29) at the Marriott Downtown. This is truly a money can’t buy experience for all you race fans so start your bidding! Courtesy of Honda
Tour Jay’s Garage and VIP Tickets to the Tonight Show
Four People Tour Jay Leno’s Big Dog Garage with 4 VIP tickets to a taping of the Tonight Show. Pack your bags for a once in a lifetime opportunity. You and 3 guests will get a tour of the Big Dog Garage. Jay’s personal car collection ranges from a 1906 Baker Electric car, 1906 Stanley Steamer, a Monteverde, a Bugatti Atlantic, a turbine motorcycle to a 2006 Corvette. His private collection is stored in a 17,000 square foot garage including a private garage with full time mechanics on staff and a gourmet kitchen where Jay can be seen on his days off cooking up something special for special visitors. After your tour, you’ll be Jay’s guests for a VIP experience at a taping of the Tonight Show. Donor: Jay Leno and the Tonight Show
Robb Report’s Car of the Year Judge “You Be The Judge”
For years, the “definite authority on connoisseurship for ultra-affluent customers,” the Robb Report is truly the global luxury source. This specialty magazine invites you to test-drive one of the world’s finest new automobiles. You will also be part of the judging process for the Robb Report Car of the Year issue. Spend two nights at Meadowood in Napa Valley, California where you and a guest will enjoy complimentary meals (including two cocktail parties, two breakfasts, one lunch and two dinners). This private estate will be the destination for a select group of Robb Report editors and senior executives, and a handful of their prestigious VIPS. Here you will spend two days evaluating and sharing your driving impressions of the best new luxury and sports car offerings of the year. The winning bidder will participate in this two day event during the beginning of November 2011. The results will be published in the March 2012 issue of Robb Report. Courtesy of Robb Report & CurtCo
7 days/ 6 nights at a Magnificent Villa in Mallorca Spain for 6 people
Up to 3 couples will enjoy one of the largest and nicest homes in Mallorca. It is located on wonderfully landscaped grounds and features a beautiful swimming pool and a tennis court. You will also have access to the country club located next to the villa. The club offers a beautiful golf course as well as a full spa. Two automobiles will be provided for touring the island or shopping in town. The villa is fully staffed for your pleasure. The restaurants on this island are great, but you will also enjoy 2 catered dinners at one of the many charming dining areas in the villa. Courtesy of Kim & Joe Moore
Ulysse Nardin EL TORO watch, Piece Unique
Patented Perpetual Calendar. Self-winding movement. 18 platinum case with ceramic bezel. Water-resistant to 100 m. Rubber bracelet. Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin
Ulysse Nardin CAPRICE “QUEEN OF HEART” watch
Self-winding movement. Stainless steel. Water-resistant to 50 m. mother of pearl dial, center paved with diamonds “heart”. Galusha strap. Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin
Ulysse Nardin THE BOUTIQUE, Maxi Diver Limited Edition
Self-winding movement. Stainless steel case with matte-black vulcanized rubber coating. Open case back. Unidirectional rotating bezel with gold inlays. Water-resistant to 200 m. Rubber bracelet. Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin
Breitling for Bentley GMT Midnight Screamer
Breitling for Bentley GMT Midnight Screamer with black diamonds in black steel which is special finish created by using an ultra-resistant carbon-based treatment. Limited to 500 pieces with a total diamond weight of 2.28 cts., this timepiece is powered by the Caliber 47B, an exclusive dual timezone movement.
“The Four Time Winners”
(A tribute to A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears) by Colin Carter. As the Indy 500 ends its first Century, there is an exclusive club of only three, four time winners.The first was A.J. Foyt who is the only driver to win 7 National Indy Car Championships, 67 Indy Car race victories and 53 Pole positions. The second was Al Unser Sr., who also has 2 National Indy Car Championships and ranks third in the all-time Indy Car victory list with 39. The third was Rick Mears who also won 3 National Indy Car Championships, 26 Indy Car races and 6 Pole positions at Indianapolis.
“NINE WINS”
(A Tribute to the Unser family) by Colin Carter The Unser family are the “Secretariat” of auto racing and no family has dominated any sport as the Unser’s have. Bobby won three Indy 500’s, his brother Al won four Indy 500’s, Al’s son Al Jr. two 2 Indy 500’s and Bobby’s son Robby captured a fifth place finish in the 1998 race. Bobby and Al’s brother Jerry started in the 1958 Indy 500, but, tragically, lost his life in practice for the 1959 race. Jerry’s son Johnny went on to compete in five Indy 500’s.The Unser family won nine Indy 500’s, seven National Indy Car Championships and 108 Indy Car Races.
