Just the Facts:

* A customized pink Audi A1 sold for $523,347 at Elton John's annual AIDS charity auction.
* The Audi was painted by British artist Damien Hirst.
* The buyer was not identified.


WINDSOR, England — A pink Audi A1 hatchback, elevated to high art at the hand of a British master, commanded the U.S. equivalent of $523,347 at a Thursday auction to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation. In a statement on Friday, Audi's U.K. arm described the amount as "staggering." The buyer was not identified.

The Audi A1 was customized by artist Damien Hirst with a primarily pink color scheme highlighted by other pastel shades. It was described as "fully drivable and road legal" before it hit the auction block. The car was offered with a canvas "spin painting" by Hirst that may prove to be more valuable than the hardware.

The car was auctioned during John's annual White Tie & Tiara Ball, which drew 700 VIP guests to the rock star's home here.

Hirst, who is known for creating art from pickled animals and stubbed-out cigarettes, is described by Wikipedia as the "richest living artist."

Inside Line says: A jaw-dropping amount for the A1 — regardless of how it's decorated. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent