Dr. Ulrich Bez will auction off his company Rapide to benefit the victims of the tsunami and earthquake victims in Japan.

The March 11th Japan tsunami and earthquakes left the country devastated. Numerous charities continue to help the victims of the terrible disaster rebuild and get back to their normal lives. Aston Martin CEO, Dr. Ulrich Bez, has decided to auction off his company Rapide at the annual Bonham’s auction at Newport Pagnell to help assist the numerous charities providing aid to victims in Japan.

“Nobody could have failed to be moved by the recent events in Japan and we at Aston Martin are no exception,” said Dr. Ulrich Bez. “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 Bonhams Aston Martin Auction seems the perfect platform to encourage the extended Aston Martin family to support this cause, so we have decided to auction my Rapide which I have used in my role as Chief Executive to represent Aston Martin at numerous events in both UK and Europe. I hope this superb car will raise a substantial amount to help make a difference.”

The Aston Martin Rapide has received substantial praise from the media ever since going into production. The four-door coupe provides room for four adults along with a true Aston Martin driving experience. At the New York International Auto Show, the Rapide was voted the 2011 World Car Design of the Year by a jury of 66 international journalists.

The Rapide set to be auctioned wears chassis number ‘F00039’, and is a UK-spec model with right-hand drive. The four-door coupe was built in 2009 for the CEO, and wears a Concours Blue paint and Obsidian Black leather interior with Falcon Grey stitching, black carpeting, and walnut veneer dashboard trim. Other features include heated front and rear seats, integrated garage door opener, and rear seat entertainment system with infrared headphones and dual-screen DVD system.

The 2011 Bonhams Aston Martin Auction will be held on Saturday, May 21st at 9am at the Aston Martin Works Service in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire. Bonhams has also agreed to waive the commission on the Rapide auction to support the victims of the Japan disaster.

Update: The Rapide was auctioned for £100,000, with all proceeds going to charity.

Aston Martin CEO Rapide Auction Gallery

[Source: Aston Martin]

A base Aston Martin Rapide retails for $201,000. What do you think Dr. Ulrich Bez’s Rapide will sell for at auction? Leave a comment and let us know!