If at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again. Despite being told the unique blue Kon-Tiki produced by Swift for the 2003 NEC show was not for sale, Louise Swift never gave up. The result, Swift eventually relented and she and her husband Andrew became the proud purchasers of this unique model (produced as a design exercise), just in time to make it a very special Christmas.
Nicknamed 'Bluebird' by Swift, the exclusive Kon-Tiki 665 has a brilliant blue exterior adorned with striking graphics. The luxurious leather-trimmed soft furnishing scheme is also unique, as is the level of hi-tech features inside including a Blaupunkt entertainment system comprising DVD, multiple TV monitors and a super sound system in addition to state of the art satellite navigation.
Originally built to be Swift's centrepiece at the 2003 NEC show, this show- stopping van was created to demonstrate Swift's ability to produce something extraordinary if money bears no object. The result – a contemporary blue alternative to traditional white exterior twinned with an up-to-the-minute interior packed with modern amenities and home-from-home comforts.
The new owners are not however the first to benefit from the luxury of this original show van. Racing driving Guy Smith, part of Bentley's winning Le Mans team, drove it from Swift's factory in Cottingham, East Yorkshire to Le Mans where he used it as his hospitality vehicle in the paddock.
New owners, Louise and Andrew Swift, are regular travellers to France where they own their own property and 4 holiday cottages set within 7.5 acres of land in La Bourdalaine, Ambazac. The couple are animal lovers and will use their new purchase to transport their two cats and two dogs between France and the UK on a regular basis.
Louise Swift was particularly overjoyed. "I was devastated at not being able to purchase the blue Kon-Tiki. I had set my heart on it from the moment I saw it in the magazine. Blue is my favourite colour and with the Swift name emblazoned across the front of the cab, I knew this vehicle had to be mine. When Swift finally relented and agreed to sell the vehicle I was over the moon."
"With a name like Swift, how could we refuse Louise and her husband their dream. We hope they have lots of fun with the vehicle." Richard White, Swift's Sales and Marketing Director commented.