Craig Sager was known for his colorful jackets along with his infectious personality in more than a quarter-century working as a sideline reporter and broadcaster for the NBA and major sporting events around the world.
Sager passed away in 2016 following a lengthy battle with leukemia. Now, the public has an opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind Bentley with the iconic flower-patterned sport coat that Sager wore during his acceptance of the Jimmy V Award in 2016, just five months before his passing.
Signatures from more than 50 sports stars were collected over the past several months and adorn the hood of the Continental GTC Speed’s hood. The car will be featured in an exclusive online auction conducted by Julien’s Auctions at julienslive.com on Feb. 20.
The convertible was transformed by Bentley bespoke division, Mulliner, to celebrate the Hall of Fame broadcaster’s legacy. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the SagerStrong Foundation to raise funds for blood cancer research and trials.
More than 50 stars from across sports came together to sign the car. Among them are NBA icons Steph Curry, Shaquille O’Neal, Magic Johnson, Dikembe Mutombo, Jerry West, Bill Walton and George Gervin, along with the likes of NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice and MLB Hall of Fame shortstop Derek Jeter.
The MSRP of the Bentley Continental GTC Speed was $400,000-$500,000 before the bespoke work and autographs.
In addition to his 26-year tenure at Turner Sports, where Sager was known for his sideline work on Thursday night telecasts, Sager covered major golf tournaments and the Olympics during his broadcasting career.
“He was a part of the NBA family,” basketball Hall of Fame member Rudy Tomjanovich said. “He was such a wonderful guy and you know he understood the game.
“It was great talking to him and you know he always brought the excitement of his outfits all the time.”
The Bentley GT Speed Convertible features a 6.0-liter twin turbo W12 engine mated to an 8-speed twin clutch automatic transmission producing 650 brake horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. It can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 208 mph.
The SagerStrong Foundation was founded in 2016 by Sager and his wife, Stacy. It has since raised more than $2.5 million to help fund blood cancer research.
“Julien’s Auctions is proud to offer this one-of-a-kind world class vehicle, the 2022 Bentley Continental GTC Speed, in honor of the legendary and beloved sports broadcaster Craig Sager,” said Martin Nolan, Executive Director of Julien’s Auctions.
“His warm reporting style and positive spirit resonated with so many of his fans, colleagues and athletes around the world and if ever there was an item that could honor his legacy, it would be this rare and unique automotive masterpiece.”
–Field Level Media
