The unique i8 hybrid sports car->ke506 German automaker BMW->ke178 built for the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance->ke2839 fetched $825,000 during Gooding & Company's annual Pebble Beach auction. Sold ahead of the official vehicle U.S. sale date for about six time the sticker -- set at $135,700 -- the i8 Concours d'Elegance has set a record that's likely to stick around for a few years.

Proceeds of the i8's sale will go to the Pebble Beach Company Foundation, which raises funds for Monterey County youth. The foundation is known for awarding grants for arts, athletics, environmental sciences, educational organizations and community programs.

The winning bidder takes home a one-of-a-kind BMW i8 finished in a bespoke, Individual exterior color, and fitted with custom upholstery and trim accents. More importantly, he gets to drive the hybrid sports car long before it reaches North American dealerships.

Click past the jump to read more about the BMW i8 Concours d' Elegance Edition

Why It Matters

The huge amount of dollars fetched by this slightly customized BMW i8 proves once again that eccentric people are willing to pay a hefty premium just to get their hands on a vehicle made available before the first batch of cars hits dealerships. The privilege of owning a brand-new, state-of-the-art sports car before anyone else gets it hands on it is a big thing these days, and manufacturers sure know how to exploit it. The good news is that events such as Pebble Beach donate full proceeds to those in need.

BMW i8 Concours d' Elegance Edition

Specifically tailored for the 2014 Pebble Beach, the BMW i8 Concours d'Elegance Edition stands out by means of a special Frozen Grey Metallic paint. The sports car boasts more uniqueness in the cabin, where a Dalbergia Brown leather upholstery wraps around the seats and many other surfaces. Dyes using plant extracts, the hide emphasizes the i8's eco-friendly theme. Other highlights include BMW i Blue stitching and seat belts, special "BMW i8" and laser-etched "Concours d'Elegance Edition" lettering.

The drivetrain is bone stock, meaning this unique i8 benefits from the same 357 horsepower the hybrid->ke147 powertrain sends to the pavement. 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque come from its 1.5-liter, inline-three, gasoline engine, while another 129 horsepower and 184 pound-feet are provided by its front-mounted electric->ke1030 motor.