THE "11-SECOND CAR" ROARS OFF THE LINE AS THE LATEST
IN THE PRECISION 100™ SERIES FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND RACING
CHAMPIONS ERTL
Glen Ellyn, Ill. (JULY 31, 2002)-Celebrating one of the
fastest production cars ever built, Ford Motor Company and Racing
Champions Ertl (NASDAQ:RACN) are introducing the fourth issue in
the Ford Precision 100 collection, the series of 1:18-scale die-cast
classic replicas that takes a second look at some of the most memorable
vehicles ever made by Ford.
The latest entry-the legendary ´64 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt
- is a line-for-line replica of the car that was the drag racer's
dream. Screaming off the line and reaching speeds of 120 mph in
less than 11 seconds, the original car was a modified Fairlane,
stripped for action. If it didn't make the car go faster, it was
eliminated-so no mirrors, no armrests, no sun visors. With its massive
427 cid V8 and two four-barrel carbs, the Thunderbolt set records-and
earned a permanent place in the hearts of drag racing fans.
And, according to Dell Torgerson, Product Manager for Racing Champions
Ertl, the new Precision 100 replica does everything but smoke the
tires. "This is an absolutely incredible car, and everything's
here," he said. "Collectors have been waiting a long time
for this beauty, and now that it's here, they aren't going to be
disappointed. From its opening hood with separate hood pins to the
working drive train, this is the real deal."
With its more than 200 parts and hand-polished exterior, the Ford
Fairlane Thunderbolt is loaded with the details collectors look
for: working fuel doors, opening doors with spring-loaded door locks,
sliding front seats with folding seat backs, opening glove compartment
door, opening trunk with battery wires, die-cast tow bars, and detailed
427 engine. Even the paint colors are authentic-"Vintage Burgundy"
or "Wimbledon White".
The Thunderbolt will be available through participating Ford
Motor Company dealers and select hobby stores and specialty retailers
nationwide beginning in July. It will be accompanied by a fact-filled
brochure based on information in Ford's archives and a special certificate.
Suggested retail price is $59.95.
Jointly developed by Racing Champions Ertl and Ford from original
Ford blueprints and actual antique vehicles, the Ford Precision
100 line is the most detailed line of 1:18-scale die-cast vehicles
on the market.
Racing Champions Ertl (www.rcertl.com) is a leading producer and
marketer of innovative collectibles and toys targeted at males of
all ages. The Company's diverse product offerings include scaled
die-cast replicas of John Deere agricultural equipment and NASCAR
stock cars, other licensed vehicle replicas, pre-teen toys, sports
trading cards, racing apparel and souvenirs, and collectible figures.
These products are sold under the Company's market-focused brand
names, including Racing Champions®, Ertl®, Ertl
Collectibles®, American Muscle™, AMT®, W. Britain®,
Press Pass®, and JoyRide Studios™. The Company reinforces
its brands and enhances the authenticity of its products by linking
them with highly recognized licensed properties including NASCAR,
NHRA, John Deere, Harley-Davidson, Case IH, Polaris, Honda, Caterpillar,
Ford, GM, Chrysler, Texaco, Warner Brothers, Gullane Entertainment,
Nintendo, Sega, and Electronic Arts. The Company's products are
marketed through multiple channels of distribution, including mass
retailers and specialty and hobby wholesalers and retailers, OEM
dealers, and to corporate accounts for promotional purposes. The
Company sells through more than 20,000 retail outlets located in
North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
