The Naples Winter Wine Festival (NWWF) celebrated its 25th anniversary in style, with Bentley Motors making headlines as the first bespoke new Continental GTC Speed was auctioned for a staggering 34 million in total, marking it as the most successful auction in the festival’s history. The funds will directly benefit at-risk and underprivileged children in Collier County, Florida, underscoring the festival’s commitment to community impact.
The auction lot, presented by Bentley Naples, featured two exclusive components: the delivery of a unique Continental GTC Speed with Mulliner specifications, designed specifically for the festival, and an unparalleled experience at Bentley’s flagship event, Monterey Car Week, in August 2025.
The winning bidder not only secured a one-of-a-kind vehicle but also gained access to a luxury package that epitomises Bentley’s commitment to exclusivity and sophistication.
The Continental GTC Speed: A Masterpiece of Bespoke Design
The Continental GTC Speed auctioned at the Naples Winter Wine Festival is a testament to Bentley’s unparalleled craftsmanship. The vehicle boasts a striking Damson exterior paint, paired with a Dark Grey Metallic fabric roof, creating a visually stunning contrast.
The interior is equally impressive, featuring a Light Grey roof lining, White main hide upholstery, and Damson secondary hide accents, complemented by silver seat piping.
Adding to its exclusivity are personalised Naples Winter Wine Festival treadplates, blackline and touring specifications, and LED welcome lights. A Moonbeam-painted pinstripe encircles the exterior, while the interior showcases a unique piano white and Damson-painted veneer, a signature Mulliner touch. This bespoke design ensures that the vehicle is truly one of a kind, reflecting Bentley’s dedication to luxury and individuality.
Unmatched Performance: The Ultra Performance Plug-In Hybrid V8 Engine
For the first time, Bentley auctioned its most powerful engine offering, the Ultra Performance Plug-In Hybrid V8, which powers the Continental GTC Speed. This cutting-edge engine produces an impressive 771 horsepower, surpassing the previous version by over 100 horsepower.
With the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, the GTC Speed combines exhilarating performance with sustainable technology, aligning with Bentley’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.
The hybrid engine not only delivers unmatched power but also represents Bentley’s forward-thinking approach to automotive engineering. By integrating hybrid technology into its flagship models, Bentley is setting a new standard for high-performance vehicles that prioritise both power and sustainability.
Exclusive Monterey Car Week Experience
In addition to the bespoke Continental GTC Speed, the auction winners will enjoy an exclusive experience at Bentley’s Monterey Car Week 2025. This prestigious event, held annually in California, is Bentley’s most significant activation of the year.
The package includes four nights of luxury accommodations at The Inn at Spanish Bay, two VIP tickets to Bentley’s Terrace during The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, and access to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Winners will also receive an invitation to Bentley’s Beach Dinner at Seal Rock Beach and access to the brand’s Signature Party at the Beach and Tennis Club. This unparalleled experience offers a glimpse into the world of Bentley, combining luxury, exclusivity, and automotive excellence.
Bentley’s Commitment to Philanthropy
The proceeds from the auction will benefit the Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF), an organisation dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged and at-risk children in Collier County. Since its inception, the Naples Winter Wine Festival has raised over $336 million, making a profound impact on the community.
Jun Watanabe, Senior Director of Sales and Operations at Bentley Americas, emphasised the brand’s commitment to philanthropy, stating, “Bentley Motors is pleased to support Bentley Naples as we see through another successful auction at the Naples Winter Wine Festival, continuing its charitable efforts. Contributing to the community and fostering a sense of purpose are integral to our broader understanding of sustainability, paving the way for future generations to thrive.”
A Legacy of Giving: Bentley’s Partnership with NCEF
Bentley’s involvement with the Naples Winter Wine Festival dates back to 2006, with the brand consistently supporting NCEF’s transformative work. Jason Reidel, Managing Partner of Bentley Naples, highlighted the importance of this partnership, saying, “We have been honoured to be involved with the Naples Winter Wine Festival Auction since 2006 and its transformative work with the Naples Children & Education Foundation. Each year, together with Bentley Motors Inc, we are grateful for the opportunity to play a role in supporting this incredible mission and making a meaningful difference in our special Southwest Florida community.”
Bill Beynon, Team 25 Co-Chairs, expressed gratitude for Bentley’s continued support, stating, “We are sincerely grateful to Bentley for allowing us to showcase this phenomenal automobile in our 25th annual Naples Winter Wine Festival live auction. Their extraordinary support this year and in the past several years has enabled us to raise much-needed funds for essential programs that will improve the lives of underprivileged and at-risk children in our community.”
Conclusion: A Celebration of Luxury and Philanthropy
The auction of the bespoke Continental GTC Speed at the Naples Winter Wine Festival exemplifies Bentley’s dedication to luxury, innovation, and philanthropy. By combining a one-of-a-kind vehicle with an exclusive Monterey Car Week experience, 1 has set a new standard for charitable auctions. The $1.7 million raised will significantly impact the lives of underprivileged children in Collier County, reinforcing the festival’s legacy of giving.
As Bentley continues to push the boundaries of automotive excellence, its commitment to sustainability and community engagement remains at the forefront. The success of this year’s auction not only highlights the brand’s prestige but also underscores the power of collaboration in creating meaningful change.
