All Blacks and Ford New Zealand AB35 Fiesta Revealed

A limited edition Ford Fiesta designed by the All Blacks and Ford New Zealand is now on sale to the public at dealerships nationwide.

The final look of the AB35 Fiesta, which had input from many players including Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and Conrad Smith, has been kept under wraps for weeks.

Only 35 of the cars have been made by Ford New Zealand, with one of the cars being auctioned for charity on Trade Me between May 29th and June 8th.

Proceeds from the auction will go to three charities: Ford New Zealand’s official charity, Variety – The Children’s Charity; and the NZRU’s official charity partners, Plunket and KidsCan.

The All Blacks and the team of Ford New Zealand specialists took a European-built Ford Fiesta and transformed the vehicle by focusing on three areas – exteriors, interior, and performance.

The sleek-looking AB35 Fiesta has a body kit complete with a carbon lip front spoiler, rear spoiler extension, side skirts and 17" alloy wheels with performance tyres, all of which help with airflow, down force and handling. The striking graphics and personalised plate give it a distinctive look.

The interior has enhanced comfort and support including leather seats, leather bound steering wheel and a high calibre Sony audio system.

Chris Masterson of Ford New Zealand says the AB35 Fiesta project was created to celebrate the company’s 17-year sponsorship of the All Blacks.

“The AB35 project was all about showing our commitment to the All Blacks this year. We had a huge amount of fun designing this car and it is great to be able to finally reveal it to the public,” he says.

“The AB35 Fiesta represents the spirit of our brand. It’s a dynamic, premium car that’s small on price but big on features. People who get behind the wheel of this car will find it a fantastic driving experience, as well as show their support for the All Blacks.”

Since launching in late 2008, the Ford Fiesta has won more than 70 accolades globally, including praise from New Zealand motoring journalists.

In 2009 it was crowned Car of the Year at the annual AMI Insurance NZ Autocar Car of the Year Awards, and Car of the Year by the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild last year.

The AB35 Fiesta is now available at Ford Dealers nationwide with an RRP of $35,990.