Charity auction highlights Ferrari F12 supercar launch

Ferrari: the name itself invokes speed and prestige. Ferrari is one of the most, if not the most admired and recognized companies the world over.

Autostrada Motore Inc., Ferrari exclusive distributor for the Philippines, headed by its Chairman and President Wellington Soong, along with his Singaporean counterparts and the Italian Ambassador to the Philippines, held the launch of the newest model in the Ferrari stable, the F12 Berlinetta, at their showroom at the Bonifacio Global City. But this was not your regular car launch. The F12 is the flagship of the Ferrari stable, and the successor to the 599 Fiorano. Its direct-injection 6.2-liter V12 engine delivers 740hp at a shrieking 8250 rpm, with 690 Nm of torque, 80 percent of which is available from as low as 2500rpm. The F12 can sprint to 100kph in 3.1 seconds, to 200 kph in 8.5 seconds, on to a top speed of over 340 kph.

After the F12 was unveiled, it then took a “backseat” in the proceedings. The evening’s highlight was the auction of Ferrari collectibles, with 100% of the bids to be turned over to help in the relief efforts of  our countrymen affected by Typhoon Yolanda.

First on offer was a pair of racing gloves signed by Ferrari F1 driver Fernando Alonso. The evening’s auctioneer, motoring writer James Deakin, opened the bidding at 20,000 pesos. This quickly escalated to the final winning bid of 100,000. Thunderous applause greeted the winning bidder.

Up next was a scale model of the 250GTO, known as the most coveted Ferrari the world over. Making the die cast car even more remarkable is that it was endorsed by Ferrari President Luca De Montezemolo. Bidding opened at P150,000. Surprising a few in attendance, there was a phone bidder from all the way from Dubai. Bids were in increments of P50,000, with the final winning bid registering at P550,000. Everyone was ecstatic at the amount raised. It was a feel good evening for everyone in attendance.

Mr. Soong even awarded a Ferrari mobile phone sleeve to the second highest bidder, signed by Felipe Massa. In gratitude, the awardee pledged a P10,000 donation for the relief efforts. Now how cool is that?

As the champagne flowed and everyone had their fill of the sumptuous buffet, everyone was in a jovial mood. They were privy to an event that not only showcased a fantastic car in the F12 Berlinetta but more importantly, that showed how people are more than willing to help their fellow man in times of need.