Neiman Marcus Holiday Catalog Features a Maserati Grecale Signed by Barbie

• The three-pronged trident of Maserati goes full-on pink, embracing the ethos of the most famous doll in the world.
• Only two of these powerful Barbie SUVs will be built, with 10 percent of proceeds going to support charity.
• The launch is part of the company’s bespoke Fuoriserie program, which will let the buyer endlessly customize their Maserati.

It is established canon that Barbie is a gearhead. Who else could come up with the perfect two-car garage solution of a C4 Corvette convertible and a GMC motorhome? Pretty in pink, and with near unlimited accessories, America’s most popular doll is happiest when behind the wheel. Thanks to a collaboration between Neiman Marcus and Maserati, you too can play high-octane dressup.

The Neiman Marcus Fantasy Gift list is an annual catalog of what Santa might pop in your stocking should you have been deemed as nice on the same level as, say, Dolly Parton. There’s always an automotive component, and this year comes with a partnership between Maserati and Mattel. It’s a Barbie-themed Maserati Grecale Trofeo SUV, complete with pink accent stitching, iridescent paint, and one-of-two global exclusivity.

It seems an unlikely tie-up until you consider that the Barbie brand represents capital-B Billion sales numbers. With a new movie coming next year and starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, the Barbie franchise is still firmly fixed in the mainstream. In the early days, Barbie garnered criticism for being more clothes-horse than progressive icon. These days, she’s both fashionista and progressive pioneer.

And driver. The Barbie-accented Grecale comes equipped with a 530-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6; better buckle up in the passenger seat, Ken. Two will be produced worldwide, but only one for the US. A pink theme is present inside and out, including “B”-branded headrests. Price: a whopping $330,000. But 10 percent of that cost will go directly to Mattel’s Barbie Dream Gap project. The charity aims to bridge the gap between make-believe play and practical reality for young girls, helping them achieve their full potential. It’s a worthy cause.

And it also illustrates the flexibility of Maserati’s Fuoriserie customization offerings, which allow for a highly personalized approach to ordering your new Maser. If not Barbie, then perhaps you’d like a Hot Wheels theme. Or that of Fisher-Price? UNO? The customer calls the shots.

As for the Barbie version, the price sits at $330,000, making this machine truly a fantasy gift for most. A portion will go towards realizing the dreams of young Barbie fans. And for one lucky buyer, it’s a machine that proves what everyone always knew about Barbie. Yes, she still likes to dress up in all the latest fashions. Really, though, Barbie’s number-one accessory is her hotshoes.

Source: Motor - aranddriver.com