Zippo/Harley Hand-Off in Windy City
10 May 1999
Zippo/Harley Hand-Off in Windy City: Vintage Zippo Car 'Sparks' Interest ZIPPO ONE OF A KIND SWEEPSTAKES HARLEY DAVIDSON The Zippo car, a 1947 Chrysler Saratoga, made a special visit to Chicago's Navy Pier. Michael Martin, vice president of sales and marketing for Zippo Manufacturing Company, hands over the keys to a custom designed, 1999 Harley-Davidson motorcycle to Johnnie Poole, the winner of Zippo's One-Of-A-Kind Sweepstakes. (PRNewsFoto) [KC] CHICAGO, IL USA 05/07/1999 CHICAGO, May 7 -- Zippo Manufacturing Company, maker of the
world-famous Zippo windproof lighter, today announced that Johnnie Poole, a
Chicago college student, is the winner of the Zippo One-of-a-Kind Sweepstakes.
He was presented with a one-of-a-kind, custom-built Harley-Davidson(R)
motorcycle similar to those that literally hundreds of people wait months for
the chance to buy.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990507/HSF001 )
Earlier today, Zippo vice president of sales and marketing, Michael Martin,
handed over the keys of the 1999 Harley-Davidson FXDX Dyna Super Glide
Sport(R), with a new Twin Cam 88(R) engine, and custom-design elements by
Willie G. Davidson, grandson of founder William A. Davidson, to Poole. Tens
of thousands of people entered the Zippo "One-of-a-Kind" Sweepstakes, which
began in March of 1998 at selected Zippo retail locations and Harley-Davidson
dealerships across the country.
"While Harley-Davidson has people waiting in line to ride off on a
motorcycle, Zippo put one lucky person at the top of the list. We were
excited to be able to hand-off this custom-designed, one-of-a-kind bike to
Johnnie," Martin said.
Also sparking attention, the legendary Zippo Car made a very special
debut, raising two of its largest flames to commemorate the Harley hand-off
and making its first road-trip away from its hometown of Bradford, PA. The
recreated Zippo Car is a custom-designed 1947 Chrysler Saratoga which
replicates the original "product mobile."
"We wanted to do the Harley hand-off Zippo style," Martin said. "So we
decided to bring along the famous Zippo Car on its first national road trip --
destination Chicago."
The original Zippo Car won America's heart during the late 1940s and early
50s, appearing in parades, expos and fairs in 48 states, before its mysterious
disappearance a few years later. This summer the recreated Zippo Car is
scheduled to appear in several locations across the country.
Two American Icons
Both Zippo and Harley-Davidson are revered as American icons, known
world-wide for their parallel philosophies of rugged construction, distinctive
sound, reliable performance and superior craftsmanship. Their distinctive
products have been a part of American fashion, culture and heritage for
decades. In WWII and every American conflict since, the Zippo lighter has
served as a pocket-size piece of home to our soldiers fighting to ensure
freedom. For motorcycle lovers worldwide, Harley-Davidson's symbol, the
eagle, also represents American patriotism and independence.
Zippo Manufacturing Company produces nearly 60,000 lighters each day and
ships to more than 120 countries around the globe. Other products from
Zippo's diverse line include pocket knives, key holders, money clips, writing
instruments, tape measures, ZipLight(TM) pocket flashlights and the Fixxit(R)
pocket tool. Zippo employs nearly 1,000 people.
