Limited-Edition Cadillac Will Rev Up the Holidays

Continuing its tradition of featuring an exclusive car in its Christmas catalog, upscale retailer Neiman Marcus will sell 99 editions of the 2004 Cadillac XLR luxury roadster in the ’02 catalog, which is being mailed this month.

The Cadillac XLR will come in ultraviolet, a color available only on these models, with a matching two-tone interior, wood and leather steering wheel and dashboard gauges designed by Bulgari. It will sell for $85,000.

Two additional Cadillac XLRs will be auctioned off on behalf of charitable groups.

“Our tradition is to include a sophisticated, stylish, must-have car each year, and we expect it will be a very popular offering this holiday season,” says Karen Katz, chief executive of Neiman Marcus Direct.

For the last several years, the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book has featured a customized version of a high-profile car, including the Lexus SC430 roadster, Ford Thunderbird, Audi TT, BMW X5 sport utility vehicle and BMW Z3 “James Bond Edition” roadster.

Auto makers strive to have one of their vehicles chosen for the catalog.

Those who want a Cadillac XLR must call (866) 957-2004 starting at 9 a.m. PDT Oct. 15. Callers will be directed to a Cadillac dealership to submit a $7,500 deposit.

The two-seater, rear-wheel-drive XLR goes into production next spring at General Motors’ assembly plant in Bowling Green, Ky., and will have a high-output 4.6-liter V8 Northstar engine with a five-speed automatic transmission.