Aston Martin CEO to auction his Rapide for Japan aid

Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez will put his own Rapide up for auction at the Bonhams yearly sale of Aston Martin and Lagonda cars and automobilia on May 21. All proceeds from the sale of Bez's car will go to aid victims of the recent earthquakes and tsunami in Japan.

"Nobody could have failed to be moved by the recent events in Japan," Bez said. "After many years' presence in the market and closer ties being forged with the Japanese automotive business in recent projects, we have many friends in the region and we wanted to do something to help."

The car is U.K.-specification, right-hand drive, built in 2009. It has been Bez's car of choice when representing the company at numerous events throughout Europe.

The car is finished in Concours blue paint with Obsidian black leather interior and a rear-seat entertainment system with twin DVD screens and infrared headphones.

By Julie Alvin