I’m okay with the idea of Ralph Lauren launching a charity auction to benefit Pink Pony Fund for cancer research. One hundred percent of the proceeds for charity? More power to him! And early bidding looks like the results will be in seven figures. Outstanding! There’s even some sort of vague crossover with us, internships at cousin magazines Vogue and Wired on offer. As Ralph is a big-time car guy, you’d expect there to be some car stuff in there among the polo lessons, home makeovers and weekends on a private island, and there is: A tour of McLaren in Woking; two days in a Ferrari at Mont-TremblancTremblant; a course at the AMG Driving Academy, and several others.
But there’s a line between fun and fantasy. Currently second in the bidding at $32,500, with the reserve not met, is a tour of Ralph’s collection:
You and a friend will receive a tour of this extraordinary private collection of classic cars given by Ralph Lauren himself, including vintage Bugattis, Ferraris, Porches and more. The finale of your experience – a ride in one of these world-class driving machines. You’ll also take home a signed copy of Speed, Style, and Beauty: Cars from the Ralph Lauren Collection.
The estimate? $150,000. I’m sorry – charity or no charity, that’s loony. Tell you what: For $150,000, I’ll arrange the Ultimate Car Experience for you: We’ll visit Pebble Beach, Retromobile, Goodwood and, heck, the Tokyo Concours; and attend the Scottsdale auctions, where you’ll experience, firsthand, the excitement of buying and owning a collector car, which we’ll then enter in a vintage rally. With money left over for charity.