Lincoln and Earvin Johnson Dub A Magic Mark LT

Automotive luxury brand Lincoln and Earvin "Magic" Johnson have announced a special auction of a fully customized edition of the all-new 2006 Lincoln Mark LT pickup truck at ebay.com/magicjohnson. All proceeds will benefit the Magic Johnson Foundation, which sends more than 200 students to universities and colleges every year.

The auction was announced last week in conjunction with Lincoln's role as presenting sponsor of the 20th annual "A MidSummer Night's Magic" charity event. Lincoln and Magic Johnson have worked together for two years on this and other projects.

The one-of-a-kind Magic DUB edition Lincoln Mark LT was customized by urban auto industry experts DUB under the personal direction of Magic Johnson. The Magic DUB Mark LT includes special custom features such as performance exhaust, 24-inch rims, suede and leather interiors, lower grille insert, 7-inch TV monitors for seats, DVD/LCD in-dash head unit, 15-inch flip-down LCD center, window and taillight tints, and sound system with two amplifiers and 1x10-inch woofers. Suggested retail for this vehicle including its DUB Edition upgrades is $64,035.

"The 2006 Lincoln Mark LT already has that special style and sophistication unique only to the Lincoln brand," says Magic Johnson. "My vision was to add that 'magic touch' to something that was already great, and we've scored big with the Magic DUB edition Lincoln Mark LT."

The standard Mark LT is powered by a base 5.4-liter, three-valve Triton V-8 engine that produces 300 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 365 foot-pounds of torque at 3750 rpm. Despite its luxury pretensions, the Lincoln Mark LT boasts payload and towing capacity on par with the F-150 and adds premium touches to reach beyond high-end pickup trucks on the road today. The Mark LT offers four full doors, front captain's chairs and a full rear seat, to ample comfort for five adults. Its exterior features a theme of chrome accents, asserting the vehicle's status and enhancing its appearance, with a dominant signature waterfall grille, wide taillamps, and thick-spoked wheels for an unmistakable family resemblance to today's Lincoln lineup.

The auction extends through July 25, 2005 at ebay.com/magicjohnson. Along with the truck, a special bedcover autographed by celebrities - sports figures, actors and musicians - will be included in the auction package.

"Our strategy for success at Lincoln is founded on a unique understanding of our customers and how to connect with their specific lifestyles," says Al Giombetti, president of Lincoln Mercury. "Auto customization has grown exponentially and the Magic DUB edition Lincoln Mark LT is a perfect example of how to effectively tap into this trend."

Proceeds from the auction will be in addition to the over $1 million Lincoln has already provided to the Magic Johnson Foundation over the last two years. The effort is part of a 40 year-long Ford Motor Company history of supporting economically disadvantaged youth through educational initiatives, scholarships and grants. Established in 1991, the Magic Johnson Foundation helps non-profit organizations that are working to meet the health, educational and social needs of those who live in inner-city communities.