Neiman Marcus Lexus SC 430 Convertibles Sell Out; One Car Reserved For AOL.COM Auction To Benefit Charity

Convertible lovers raised the roof when it came time to purchase a Neiman Marcus Limited Edition Lexus SC 430 on Monday, Oct. 1, 2001 In less than 14 hours, 99 of the "Silver Belle" models with Candy Cane Red leather interiors were snatched up, leaving prospective buyers with only one more chance to purchase the vehicle featured in this year’s Neiman Marcus Christmas Book.

The remaining "Silver Belle," featuring the Limited Edition No.1 badge, will be available for purchase through a special online auction via Shop@AOL. Beginning Oct. 8, an online preview of the vehicle will be unveiled through AOL Keyword: NM Gifts, or by visiting www.AOL.com and clicking on Shop. Bidding for the Limited Edition SC 430 will begin Thursday, Oct. 11 at 10:30 a.m. (EDT) and conclude on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2001 at 10 p.m. (EDT).

Proceeds exceeding the $70,000 minimum bid will go to one of three charities - the American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society or Boys & Girls Clubs of America - as selected by the bidder. Each of the other two participating charities will receive a $10,000 donation.

"Since its introduction last spring, the Lexus SC 430 has been extremely hot, so I’m not surprised the Neiman Marcus Limited Edition models sold out so quickly," said Denny Clements, Lexus group vice president and general manager. "There’s only one car left, and I think there will be some anxious buyers who will want to get their hands on it."

The "Silver Belle" features a unique exterior silver color with a hand-stitched Candy Cane Red leather interior. It also comes with a Garnet Bird’s Eye Maple steering wheel, custom wheel finish, unique floor mats, a red engine cover, and an embroidered red and silver car cover.

It is powered by a 300-horsepower, 4.3-liter V8 engine that blasts the car from 0-60 in 5.9 seconds. With the touch of a button, the car transforms from a hardtop coupe to an open-air convertible. Luxury abounds throughout the car, from the Mark Levinson Premium Audio system with a six-disc in-dash CD auto changer to the DVD-based Lexus Navigation system, which enables drivers to get directions for locations throughout the United States and Canada with ease.

With an exterior design inspired by the lifestyle of the French Riviera and the interior fashioned after details in a luxury home, SC 430 drivers know they're cruising in style.