Overhauled CNN Hummer Up for Sale
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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--Following a brave tour of duty in the Iraq War and a wild “Overhaulin’” by Chip Foose and his partners on The Learning Channel, a one-off CNN Hummer will be sold for charity at No Reserve during the 36th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event from Jan. 13-21, 2007, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Nicknamed “Warrior One,” the custom SUV was unveiled before a host of CNN employees on October 12, 2006.
Proceeds from the sale of the Hummer will be donated to The Fisher House Foundation, a group that builds “comfort homes” for families of hospitalized military personnel. Hailed as “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™”, the auction will feature more than 1,100 of the world’s finest collector automobiles, attract over 225,000 visitors and be featured on SPEED with 40 hours of live coverage.
“The CNN Hummer will be one of the most historic, inspiring vehicles to ever cross the block at a Barrett-Jackson auction,” said Craig Jackson, president of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. “This machine served with America’s brave soldiers in Iraq, and now it will help fund an amazing organization that supports the families of wounded soldiers. The future owner of this Hummer will capture a commemorative gem to add to their automotive collection.”
CNN officials purchased the Hummer in Kuwait prior to the war. Correspondents, producers and photojournalists depended on “Warrior One” to report stories while embedded with the First Battalion, 7th Marines. In addition to basic transportation, the Hummer served as living quarters and a storage facility for the CNN crew.
This past summer “Overhaulin’” took the Hummer to the show’s workshop in Irvine, Calif. Crews revamped the Hummer’s engine and made numerous upgrades including a 6-inch suspension lift, custom leather interior, 37-inch BFGoodrich tires and one-off Foose wheels.
Stereo system upgrades include 7,500 watts of Kicker audio, 250-pound subwoofers, a DVD player and six LCD monitors. Airbrush artists Dru Blaier, Mickey Harris and Mike Lavallee spent 240 hours painting images of journalists and military personnel onto the vehicle as a tribute to those who served during the war in Iraq and to the brave journalists who covered the war.
“The crew from Overhaulin’ has created a memorable tribute to military personnel who serve during times of war and the journalists who cover them,” said Jim Walton, president of CNN Worldwide. “We feel the Fisher House – with its mission to support military families during times of medical need – is an ideal recipient for the proceeds raised by the auction.”
Since its unveiling, the Hummer has visited various U.S. military bases and automotive events, including the SEMA Show in Las Vegas from October 31-November 3, 2006. The “Overhaulin’” episode featuring the Hummer aired on November 14, 2006, on TLC.
“In addition to its sentimental value, Chip Foose transformed this military beast into one of the best looking SUVs on the planet,” added Steve Davis, executive vice president of Barrett-Jackson. “CNN wanted to personalize this Hummer to honor the brave men and women of our armed forces and the journalists who risk their lives alongside them. I believe Chip and his team delivered.”
Barrett-Jackson continually reaffirms its leadership position in the collector car market by elevating consignment standards, challenging annual records and serving as the barometer for market trends. Last year, more than 300,000 attendees and millions of television viewers from around the world witnessed over 1,600 cars being auctioned off for approximately $135 million at the two 2006 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Events held in Scottsdale and Palm Beach, Fla.
