Ford Unveils Neiman Marcus Edition Thunderbird
18 August 2000
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif., Aug. 18 Dressed in a formal design for a very
special occasion, the 2002 Ford Thunderbird makes its official debut at
the 50th Annual Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach. Ford announced it would
offer 200 uniquely designed Neiman Marcus Edition Thunderbirds exclusively
through the specialty retailer's new "Christmas Book."
"The Ford Thunderbird is one of the most treasured automotive nameplates
in history," said J Mays, Ford Motor Company's vice president of Design. "The
2002 Thunderbird is sure to be prized by collectors and car enthusiasts
everywhere. With the Neiman Marcus Edition, we wanted to create a very
special, very limited number of cars that would stand out as the most
cherished of the new Thunderbirds."
The Neiman Marcus Edition Thunderbird, on sale later this year, stands out
with a number of one-of-a-kind design elements setting it apart from other
2002 Thunderbirds. The car features a black body finish with a removable
silver top, creating a striking, elegant style for the modern dream car. The
removable top is highlighted with the Thunderbird insignia etched into the
porthole glass. Chrome 17-inch wheels match the A-pillar. The hood scoop is
adorned with trim accents and a chrome bezel.
The black and silver theme is carried through to the interior. The
steering wheel and shift knob are painted silver to match the exterior roof
and accent colors. The lower door panel is silver to match the aluminum
molding and inserts on the padded instrument panel. The seats contain a
perforated, silver leather insert surrounded by black leather.
Understated Neiman Marcus badges are featured on the instrument panel and
floor mats. The Thunderbird badge is embossed on the seat backs.
Because the content for the special Thunderbird is packaged together, the
portion of the vehicle identification number that identifies the series will
be unique for the Neiman Marcus Edition Thunderbird.
The Neiman Marcus Thunderbird will be available exclusively through the
Neiman Marcus Christmas Book beginning Sept. 25 at a manufacturer's suggested
retail price of $41,995. To order customers will call a toll-free number.
The Ford Thunderbird was first featured in the Neiman Marcus catalog in
1970. Customers could order "His and Hers" 1971 Neiman Marcus Thunderbirds
with extras such as custom interior and exterior styling, a shaver and an
8-track tape player.
In addition to the festivities surrounding the 50th Anniversary Pebble
Beach Concours d'Elegance, The Thunderbird American Dream Car Tour will
conclude its 144-city tour in Pebble Beach on Aug. 15.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the Pebble Beach Concours
d'Elegance is the world's foremost event for the display and judging of
classic cars. The event draws over 200 exquisitely restored cars from around
the world, exhibited by classes ranging from the very earliest cars through
the 1960s. Car selection is based upon exceptional design and technical
merit, and the Concours presents itself with the statement that "cars seen
here can never be seen as a group anywhere else." Among collectors, it is
considered an honor to have one's car invited for display, and it is the
ultimate honor to win a trophy at Pebble Beach. The event attracts
enthusiasts, media and corporations from around the world and annually raises
approximately $500,000 for area charities including the American Red Cross,
United Way, and Boys and Girls Clubs.