US$3.5 million Skycar goes on sale

Neiman Marcus, the specialty retailer renowned for its unique luxurious offerings, never fails to make available some delectable big toys for big boys and girls when it unveils its annual Christmas Catalogue. In recent years we’ve seen the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book offer a Custom Designed Mermaid Suit, a Dodge 500hp Tomahawk motorcycle and even the first commercially-available Deep Flight Aviator, but the 79th Annual Christmas catalogue has exceeded all previous efforts by putting the M400 Moller Skycar Prototype on sale – it’ll set you back just US$3.5 million but what the heck! Other fantasy gifts for the person who dares to dream big included in the 2005 book include a His & Hers Photo Booth, an NM Edition Lexus GS 450h (in 2003, the limited edition BMW 645Ci sold out in seven minutes), a Dreamboat levitating sculpture with "no visible means of support," a Grand Empire Railroad, and a replica of the 2005 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race winning car with flat-screen monitor, IndyCar Series 2005 video game and all related electronics.

First published in 1926 as a 16-page catalogue, the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book was initially intended as a Christmas card to the store's best customers. Building on tradition through the years, the book has maintained its personal touch while evolving into a legendary source for alluring and mystical gifts that mark the start of the holiday season.

Included among the assortment of gifts in this year's Christmas Book are some remarkable items. They are:

HIS & HERS PHOTO-ME CLASSIC BOOTH

The 2005 His & Hers gift celebrates a sentimental experience enjoyed by people for more than half a century. From the original black-and-white to color, from film to digital, photobooths have continued to entice couples, friends, and families. The Photo-Me Classic Photobooth features a customized Neiman Marcus exterior and technology proven to ensure ID-quality color photographs. The classic strip of four photos is delivered in 4-5 minutes, with just 30 seconds or less before it's ready for the next set. And while the results are suitable for official documents, they are also irresistible as party favors and reminders of special occasions. ($20,000.00)

NEIMAN MARCUS SPECIAL-EDITION 2007 LEXUS GS 450H

Neiman Marcus is proud to introduce the NM special-edition 2007 Lexus GS 450h, the world's first luxury hybrid performance sedan. Combining a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a high-output, permanent magnet electric motor, the 300-plus horsepower GS 450h provides V8-like performance with combined fuel economy typical of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder compact sedan and is EPA-rated a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle. Only 75 Neiman Marcus Special Editions will be made. Each will feature the NM exclusive exterior color, Crystalline Ice, a sophisticated four-coat color process; supple black leather interior trim with luxurious rich wood appointments; elegant LED soft interior lighting; Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System; voice-activated DVD Navigation System with Bluetooth wireless technology; keyless entry and push-button engine start, and a rear back-up camera. Your package also includes a numbered identification plate, two sets of exclusive Neiman Marcus floor mats and a coordinating car cover. Delivery is scheduled for spring 2006. The telephone information and sales line for the Lexus GS 450h goes live on October 19, 2005, at noon EDT, (888.747.4504) (US$65,000)

SKYCAR PROTOTYPE

Your very own piece of transportation history: the M400 Skycar prototype. This prototype for a groundbreaking mode of transportation that may ultimately combine sci-fi and state of the art technology in the world's first personal vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Developed by Moller International this prototype of the flagship M400 Skycar, a three-wheeled, folding-wing craft designed to be as safe, affordable, and easy to use as an automobile. The M400 Skycar will travel 350+ miles per hour and boasts an environmentally friendly 21 miles per gallon on alcohol. Get this one of a kind functional prototype and imagine what it will be like to elevate yourself above the frustration of commuting to the Highway in the Sky! Prototype M400 Skycar: (US$3,500,000)

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